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Whitehall-Coplay School District

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Language Instruction Educational Program

What is ELD?   

English Language Development (formerly known as ESL) is a core curriculum area that provides English language instruction in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as the development of English proficiency skills for the language necessary to communicate information, ideas and concepts in English for all content areas.

Who is an EL?  An EL, or English Learner, is a student who

  • Was not born in the US, whose native language is other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant.

  • Was born in the US and comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant.

  • Is migratory with a native language other than English and comes from an environment where English is not the dominant language.

What are the Program Goals?  

  • To increase English language proficiency skills so that students meet state and district academic standards

  • To increase English language skills so that ELs can communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting

  • To increase English language skills so that ELs can communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in content areas

What is the design of the Language Instruction Educational Program?
Elementary, Grades K-6

  • ELD/Language Arts

  • ESOL Specialists and paraprofessionals work with the students

  • Push-in: instruction is done by going into the homeroom

  • Pull-out: instruction is done by pulling students out of classroom and into the ELD room

Secondary, Grades 7-12 (Middle and High Schools)

  • ELD English classes

  • ELD Reading classes

  • Classroom content delivered by ESOL Specialists

  • Paraprofessionals provide support and help

What parent support is available?

  • Each building has access to Transperfect and/or bilingual staff for interpreting.

  • Parents may call the school with concerns and ask for teachers to call back with the assistance of a bilingual staff member for interpreting or by using Transperfect.

Who can I contact for additional information?  Parents can contact their building principal or ESOL Specialist for more information and support.