English Language Development (ELD)

English Language Development (ELD)
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Qualify for the English Language Development Program
This series of courses is designed for the student whose primary language is not English and who has no or limited English proficiency. There are four levels of ELD courses available to English Language Learners (ELLís). Students move through each of the levels by completing course exit standards and/or by their performance on the annual California English Language Development Test (CELDT). All four levels of ELD focus on an intensive instructional model that includes reading, writing, speaking and listening. In content classes, Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) strategies are used to help students understand course content. Before moving into mainstreamed English classes, ELLís have the opportunity to take a SDAIE English class that uses SDAIE strategies to help students understand course content.

ELD I
Students who score 0-374 on the CELDT study at this level. This level provides beginning ELLís with a basic understanding of the English language. Students learn the fundamentals of reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. Special emphasis is placed in information and structures related to the new culture, environment and language. Students are introduced to language, activities and learning strategies key to success in the California public school system. Students become familiar with and competent in sharing basic personal and topical information.

ELD II
Students who score 375-446 on the CELDT and/or complete level I course exit standards study at this level. This level expands on the studentís ability to read, write, speak and listen in English. An emphasis is placed on the development of language, activities and learning strategies key to success in the California public school system. The studentís competency in sharing personal and topical information is expanded so that opinion and creativity are incorporated into the various forms of written and oral expression. Vocabulary is expanded and students are exposed to more authentic materials.

ELD III
Students who score 447-487 on the CELDT and/or complete level II course exit standards study at this level. This level continues to develop the studentís ability to read, write, speak and listen with an emphasis on academic English. Students continue to develop competency in language, activities and learning strategies key to their success in academic settings. Vocabulary is expanded and students are exposed to more authentic materials, activities and projects.

ELD IV
Students who score 488-528 on the CELDT and/or complete level III course exit standards study at this level. This level continues to develop the studentís ability to read write, speak and listen with an emphasis on academic English. Students continue to develop competency in language, activities and learning strategies key to their success in academic settings. Vocabulary is expanded and students are exposed to more authentic materials, activities and projects. Emphasis is placed on skills and strategies key to successful performance on state standardized tests and the California High School Exit Exam.