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English Language Development

elementary students working on a project at tables in the classroom

Vision Statement

At Summit School District, we envision a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every Multilingual Learner (ML) is empowered to achieve English language proficiency, academic excellence, and social-emotional well-being. Our ELD program is dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching atmosphere that values cultural diversity, promotes bilingualism and biliteracy, and equips students with the skills necessary to succeed in a global society.

two smiling students showing off their project

 

3 students with graduate caps on in a hallway

 

teacher with several students speaking to a group in a gymnasium

 

FAQs

1. What is the English Language Development (ELD) Program?

  • The English Language Development (ELD) program helps students with linguistic background other than English develop academic English among the language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through targeted instruction.

2. How can my child qualify for the ELD Program?

  • Eligibility for the ELD program is determined through a home language survey, which parents fill out during school registration and an English language proficiency assessment, which identifies students who need support in developing their English skills.

3. What are the different levels of ELD?

  • Because Colorado is a member of the WIDA consortium, the ELD program identifies a student’s English proficiency aligned to the six WIDA proficiency levels - Entering, Emerging, Developing, Expanding, Bridging, and Reaching.

4. How long will my child be in the ELD Program?

  • Research shows that it can take between five to seven years to fully gain proficiency in academic English. The length of time a student is in the ELD Program generally reflects this timeline.

5. How is my child’s progress monitored?

  • Language development progress is assessed through multiple measures, with the primary tool being a federally mandated English language proficiency test. In Colorado, this requirement is met by administering WIDA ACCESS for ELLs, which is conducted annually in January and February.

6. Will my child receive support in other subjects?

  • Multilingual learners receive support through various instructional models integrated throughout their school day and tailored to their English proficiency level. These may include newcomer courses, sheltered English instruction, co-taught classes, or sheltered content instruction.

7. How can my child exit the ELD Program?

  • The process of exiting the ELD Program begins with the results from the annual WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment. According to the Colorado Department of Education, students must score an overall 4.0 and a 4.0 in literacy to be considered for redesignation out of the program. In addition to test scores, teachers collect a body of evidence of student work to support the decision to exit the program.

8. How can I support my child’s English development at home?

  • Support your child's primary language development by encouraging them to read, write, and speak in their home language, as it helps create a strong foundation for learning English.
  • Read together regularly in both English and your primary language. Choose books that interest your child and are appropriate for their reading level.
  • Use everyday activities (cooking, shopping, etc.) to introduce new vocabulary in both languages and create opportunities for real-world language practice.

9. Is there any cost for the ELD Program?

  • The ELD Program is of no additional cost to families and is part of the district’s educational services.

10. How can I get more information about the ELD Program?

  • Contact the ELD teacher at your child’s school, or the District Coordinator for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. 
  • Beth Dove; beth.dove@summitk12.org; 970-389-3375