Top Bar

Lower Merion School District

Off-Canvas

English Language Development (ELD)

The English Language Development (ELD) program is offered to students identified with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The ELD curriculum is aligned with PA English Language Development Standards (ELDS) and courses are based on the proficiency levels and needs of the learners in the program with a focus on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Instruction enables social, cultural, and academic discourse using oral and written English language. Student progress is monitored by formative and summative assessments and the annual WIDA ACCESS test until Pennsylvania State mandated reclassification criteria is met.

English Language Development 1 (ELD 1)

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1 credit
  • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: ELD assessment and staff recommendation.
  • Course Number: 13010100

ELD 1 focuses on developing oral and written communication skills while building general and academic vocabulary. The course is offered for one or two sets and the placement is determined by student proficiency level, PDE guidelines, and need as recommended by the ELD Specialist.

English Language Development 2 (ELD 2)

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 0.33 credit, 0.667 credit, or 1 credit
  • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: ELD 1 and/or staff recommendation and an ELD assessment.
  • Course Number: 13010200

ELD 2 students understand and speak conversational English but continue to require support to meet grade level expectations for content courses. The ELD 2 curriculum is based on the learners' needs with a focus on developing academic language and skills like vocabulary, syntax, and grammar necessary for understanding content class materials. The course is offered for one or two sets and placement is determined by student proficiency level, PDE guidelines, and need as recommended by the ELD Specialist.

English Language Development 3 (ELD 3)

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 0.33 credit, 0.667 credit, or 1 credit
  • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: ELD 2 and/or staff recommendation and an ELD assessment.
  • Course Number: 13010400

ELD 3 students are nearing proficiency in the four domains of English language development: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The ELD 3 curriculum focuses on mastering academic language so students can access content class material with minimal support to help prepare them for reclassification upon reaching the exit criteria required by PDE. Students may be enrolled in this course 1-3 letter days per cycle and placement is determined by English proficiency level, PDE guidelines, and need as recommended by the ELD specialist.