What is English Language Development (ELD)?

 

"English Language Development (ELD) is a systematic instructional model designed to develop the English language proficiency of English language learners (i.e. students who speak English as a second language). ELD instruction emphasizes the development of all four language domains: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. (Source: ELDStrategies.com)

How are students identified as English Language Learners (ELLs)? 

When a student is enrolled for the first-time in a California school district, and his/her home language is other than English, the student takes an initial English language proficiency test called the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) or English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) that tests in the domains of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

If the student passes with an overall score of 4 or 5 in all four domains, the student is classified as Initially Fluent EnglishProficient (IFEP), and is able to participate in the regular academic program. However, if the student does not have an overall score of 4 or 5 in all four domains, the student is classified as English Language Learner (ELL), and will receive dedicated instructional time in ELD. ELD teachers are trained to use special and specific strategies and resources to aide our ELLs. 

 

Will English Learners always be English Learners? 

No. If a student reclassifies and becomes Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP), the student no longer is an EL nor does he/she need ELD instruction. The student will receive the regular academic program. 

 

How do students reclassify? 

In order to reclassify, students must meet three criterias: 

1. Overall score of 4 or 5 in CELDT or a 4 on the ELPAC

2. Report Card- receive a minimum of 3s in reading, writing, listening, and speaking

3. DIBELS- pass the reading assessment, which tests your child's reading fluency and other reading skills

 

Please see the images for more information. 

How can I help my child? 

 

• Communicate regularly with your child's teacher about your child's progress, especially in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These are the domains that your child must pass on their report cards and what is being tested on the CELDT exam.

 

• READ, READ, READ. Have your child read multiple times throughout the day; every day, for a minimum of 10-20 minutes, depending on your child's age. Have your child read aloud. Reading aloud will help with your child's reading fluency and the DIBELS assessment. 

 

• Ask questions. After your child reads, ask your child to give you a brief summary or retell about what they've read (3-4 sentences).

 

• Model. Our children will do what they see us, as parents do. Hence, if you want them to read, be the model, and read too. You can even have designated times throughout the day to read together. While your child reads, you can pick up your favorite book, article, newspaper, etc. and read too. If your child is very young and can not read independently, read aloud for them. Also, models do not need to always read in English text. 

 

• Seek resources. The internet has many resources, tips, and advice to help your child; however, at Marvin Elementary, there are people that can help too. Your child's teacher is the first person to seek to get help, but you may also contact Dr. Park (Title III Instructional Coach) for additional support and strategies.