The CASD ELD program helps ELs improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. Some states have similar instructional programs called English as a Second Language (ESL), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or English as a New Language (ENL). These programs aim to provide ELs with social and academic language skills as well as cultural aspects of English that are necessary for career and college readiness.
The CASD ELD program is a research-based, rigorous, student-centered program designed to promote academic literacy. The curriculum is aligned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s English Language Development (ELD) Standards and Pennsylvania’s Core Standards (PACS) for English Language Arts (ELA). At the elementary level, ELs are pulled from their ELA block to work with the ESL teacher in a small group setting. At the secondary level, ELs are scheduled for a sheltered ELD/ELA course that modifies and adapts the core ELA content to specifically meet the language proficiency levels of the ELs enrolled.
To effectively teach language through academic content, ESL teachers and classroom teachers work and plan together. Collaboration between ESL and classroom teachers is one of the best ways to serve ELs. ELD is incorporated into all classes in which ELs are enrolled. These content-area/classroom teachers deliberately plan for and incorporate language instruction as well as supports, modifications, and accommodations needed to allow ELs to access the standards to which the course is aligned.