Elementary English Language Development Class Descriptions

All EL students receive content instruction in mainstream classrooms, except in rare circumstances in which an IEP designates a separate location. Mainstream teachers provide the primary ELD services, which include classroom modifications, using best practice and instructional strategies for EL students, and testing accommodations for all assessments, according to the WIDA Can-Do Descriptors. Beyond mainstream classroom services, students may qualify for additional ELD instruction by ELD staff.

Newcomer ELD Classes

Students in grades 1-4 with little to no English proficiency and who are recent arrivals from another country, are identified as a newcomer per Elementary Service Categories receive newcomer services from a certified English Language Development teacher. The objectives for this class are to build basic academic vocabulary and interpersonal communication skills, including language function, vocabulary, grammar and phonics. The curriculum utilized by ELD Teachers for this class is Get Ready Sail/Soar and Reading Horizons. The Get Ready curriculum is used for building academic and interpersonal communication skills, and Reading Horizons is used to build foundational reading skills through direct, intensive, and sequential instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness.

Note: Kindergarten newcomers are on a consultation basis with the ELD teacher, who will provide support and resources to the classroom teacher; if available, a bilingual paraprofessional may be assigned to work with kindergarten newcomers. 

Non-Newcomer ELD Classes

Students in grades 1-4 who have a limited or moderate English proficiency, who struggle with grade-level academic content may receive non-newcomer services from a certified English Language Development (ELD) teacher. The objectives for this class are to increase English proficiency in vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills by interacting with literary and informational texts in science, social studies, math, and the arts. The curriculum utilized by ELD Teachers for this class is Connect. Students who also lack foundational reading skills will also receive direct, intensive, and sequential instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness through the Reading Horizons curriculum. 

Curriculum Resources for ELD Teachers

• ELD Newcomer Classes: Get Ready Curriculum
• ELD Newcomer Assessment Roster 
• ELD Non-Newcomer Classes: Connect Curriculum
• ELD Phonics: Reading Horizons Scope and Sequence 
• Reading Skills Resource Folder
• ReadWorks  
• Story Town - printable readers (no Lexile)

Resources for Classroom Teachers 

• WIDA CanDo Lesson Modification Planning Templates 
• Academic Vocabulary English/Spanish Translations
• Recorded Webinars
• English/Spanish Classroom Labels w/ Pictures 
• Reading Comprehension Units Using High Interest Books
• Over the Phone Translation Services in Multiple Languages 
• English pronunciation of PreK/Kindergarten content read in phonetic Spanish

Resources for Families

• English Resources for Elementary Families
• Academic Vocabulary English/Spanish Translations
• English pronunciation of PreK/Kindergarten content read in phonetic Spanish
• OKCPS Family Engagement Website