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English Language Development Programs

Colorado Springs School District 11 offers comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) services.  The acquisition of English requires a collaborative effort between teachers and specialists, as well as professional development for all staff on how to deliver rigorous, grade-level content and provide language-rich instruction for all students.

English language development (ELD) teachers and educational assistants empower each learner through differentiated instruction, research-based instruction, and assessments and 21st century skills.  Our ELD teachers and educational assistants accelerate the acquisition of academic language by providing comprehensive English language development instruction.

Elementary school English language learners typically receive 30-45 minutes of intensive English language development daily. Many ELD teachers provide this service thru a “pull-out” model. This means that students are pulled out of the general education setting for intensive English instruction. The following skills are emphasized: social communication, academic vocabulary, grammar, reading strategies, writing skills, integrated with the use of technology.

  • Our elementary schools utilize the Wonders 2020 and the National Geographic Reach curriculum to provide standards-based instruction. Additionally, we use Imagine Learning and I-Ready as a supplemental online reading intervention program to enhance student learning.  

Middle school English language learners receive English language development classes built into their daily schedule. During their ELD class, the ELD teacher focuses on social communication, academic vocabulary, grammar, reading strategies, writing skills, integrated with the use of technology.

  • Within our middle school ELD program, we use the National Geographic Inside curriculum to provide standards-based instruction. Additionally, we use Imagine Learning and I-Ready as a supplemental online reading intervention program to enhance student learning.  

High school English language learners receive English language development classes built into their daily schedule. During their ELD class, the ELD teacher focuses on social communication, academic vocabulary, grammar, reading strategies, writing skills, integrated with the use of technology. Additionally, D11 has two Newcomer programs at both Palmer and Mitchell high schools that are geared toward supporting our older English language learners.

  • Within our high school ELD program, we use the National Geographic Edge, and StudySync curriculums to provide standards-based instruction. For our newcomer English learners, Rosetta Stone is used to help gain English proficiency.