English Language Development (ELD)

LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

English Language Development (ELD)

The district is committed to providing appropriate English Language Development (ELD) instruction to English Learners (EL), enabling them to attain English language proficiency and core academic knowledge aligned with Board-approved standards.

Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP)

The district will offer a Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) comprising research-based ELD instruction, content area instruction tailored to students needs, and assessment aligned with academic standards.

Definitions

English Learner (EL) – A student enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary or secondary school, meeting one or more of the following criteria:

Not born in the United States or native English speaker
Native American, Alaska Native, or resident of outlying areas influenced by a non-English language environment.
Migratory, native language not English, from a non-English dominant environment.

Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) - A course designed for ELs to develop English proficiency while meeting academic standards, possibly incorporating both English and native language instruction.

Implementation of LIEP

The district will develop, implement, and evaluate an LIEP, meeting legal, state, and federal requirments, and tailored to EL student needs. The LIEP will be designated as "EL Bilingual".

English Language Development Instruction

Certified English as a Second Language (ESL) and non-ESL teachers will deliver ELD instruction throughout the day, integrating it into core content temporarily for focused instruction.

Provision of Resources

The district will allocate adequate resources for LIEP implementation, including certified ESL staff, materials, professional development, and equitable support for EL students.

Evaluation of LIEP

The district will monitor and evaluate the LIEP annually, assessing effectiveness based on student outcomes and achievement data, reporting results through the English Learner Reporting System (ELRS).

Student Placement and Grading

Students will be assessed for EL designation using standardized procedures. EL students with disabilities or giftedness will receive appropriate ELD instruction aligned with their individualized Educational Program (IEP)/Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP).

Grading

EL students will be graded according to district standards. Progress in ELD instruction will be communicated to parents annually, respecting their preferred language and communication mode.

Retention

EL students will not be retained based solely on English proficiency. The district will provide appropriate modifications and accommodations before considering retention, ensuring access to the curriculum and English language proficiency.

Equal Access

The district guarantees EL students equal access to educational and extracurricular programs available to all students.

Resources:

PA Department of Education – Educating English Learners resources

U.S. Department of Education: English Learner Tool Kit

PA Department of Education: Pennsylvania Consolidated State Plan, Every Student Succeeds Act

Diagnostic Tool for Taking Your Program’s Pulse

For more information, please review Board Policy 138