More English Speaking Practice Builds Linguistic Confidence in a California District

A teacher on special assignment in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, Yadhira Rojas, was tasked with evaluating the district’s English language learning program at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Laguna USD leaders wanted to better support Emergent Bilingual students, who represented approximately 3% of the district’s students. District leaders also preferred a program that would reinforce teacher-led instruction during English language learning time. The district had been using technology solutions for students but had nothing in place to focus on language development specifically.

Rojas reviewed Lexia English Language Development™ and liked its focus on academic language and speaking practice. 

“I’ve never before seen a program that emphasizes speaking so much—the way that we speak and the way that we use language to respond. It really makes [Lexia English] different,” said Rojas. 

She felt the program would help both newcomers and long-term English Language Learners with their speaking and listening skills. Based on her recommendation, the district agreed to pilot K–6 Lexia English in 2020–2021. 

The district used a hybrid learning model during the 2020–2021 school year. As an Adaptive Blended Learning program, Lexia English was seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, supporting students’ English language acquisition both at home and in the classroom. Offering more speaking practice than other programs, Lexia English helped Emergent Bilinguals at Laguna Beach to develop agency and a growth mindset as they advanced their language skills—empowering them to speak with confidence.

The program’s patented Assessment Without Testing® technology gathered and analyzed actionable, real-time, progress-monitoring data. It also provided reports district leaders could share with parents to show their students’ progress.

The program was especially helpful in increasing students' linguistic confidence, as evidenced by the likelihood Emergent Bilingual students would speak in class. This would serve them well on the state proficiency test, since Lexia English aligns with the California English Development Standards. According to Rojas, that really set the program apart.

To learn more about Laguna Beach USD’s success with Lexia English, download the case study.