On April 10, 2006 the American School Board Journal honored winners of the 2006 Magna Awards for school boards that take bold and innovative steps to improve their educational programs.  The Fontana Unified School District's School of English Language Development was recognized for its successful language acquisition program.

Dr. Wayne Ruble, FUSD Board Member, and Cristina Nievas, Coordinator of K-12 English Language Programs, attended the Luncheon for School Leaders in Chicago, Illinois to accept the Magna Award.

In 2004-05, more than 40 percent of Fontana's 43,000 students were English language learners.  The Board sought a way to assist students new to the English language.  Of particular importance was helping the middle and high school students who had fewer years to learn English than elementary students.

The School of English Language Development opened in 2004, enrolling students in grades 8 to 12 who were beginning English students.  "The program's entire focus is upon English language learners and their families," said Jim Tarouilly, Director of Core Curriculum (6-12).  "It is designed to be a gateway for this part of Fontana's community, serving not only the students' language and academic needs, but also the needs of the students' parents and siblings."

Evidence of the school's success can be found in its students.  Many pick-up English quickly, transferring to a traditional middle or high school after only one year.  "Our first year was very good, and now we are seeing the results," said Cristina Nievas.  "We can see real progress with the students who stay at the school throughout the year."

American School Board Journal initiated the Magna Awards in 1995 to recognize school boards for taking bold and innovative steps to improve their educational programs.  An independent panel of school board members, administrators, and other educators selected this year's 15 winners and six honorable mention recipients from almost 350 submissions. This year’s applicants came from 40 states; districts in 11 states were winners or honorable mention recipients.

Online Resources:

• Read more about award-winning School of Language Development

• Click here for complete list of 2006 Magna Award winners