ELD (English Language Development) Program

  • Introduction
    English language learners in the West Chester Area School District represent over 40 different languages and countries. In school year 2014-2015, the District had more than 400 ELL students.

    Program Goal
    The goal of the West Chester Area School District’s ELD Program is to develop English language proficiency and cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) in English language learners, so that they can function independently in the mainstream classroom setting. To this end, program instruction is conducted in English. The foundation for the curriculum is a standards-based curriculum aligned to the English Language Proficiency Standards PreK-5 and 6-12 and PDE’s Standards Aligned System (PDE SAS) ELL Overlay.

    Student and Parent/Guardian Orientation Procedures

    • At the time of registration, students and families are made aware of the programs, resources, and personnel who will support them in school.
    • A family/parent ELL/Title III Open House is held in October to acquaint the families of ELLs with the services available to them in the school district and in the community. Teachers, instructional assistants, caseworkers, and administrators are present to answer questions and to interpret as needed. The Title III Open House is conducted in English and Spanish for the families of the Spanish speakers.

    LINKS AND RESOURCES FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

    Instruction for ELLs

    Literacy Resources for ELLs

    Resources for Families

    • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Visit this National Council of Teachers of Mathematics webpage for information about 'new math' expectations in both English
    • ¡Colorin Colorado! for Families is a website created for families to provide information to help children become better readers.
    • PA PIRC - Pennsylvania Parent Information and Resource Center provides training and consultation to urban, rural, and suburban communities throughout Pennsylvania.
    • Hispanic Creo - Hispanic Creo’s mission is to improve educational outcomes for Hispanic children by empowering families.
    • Motivos is a bilingual magazine designed to empower Latino youths to explore their full potential and make informed choices about college, careers, and life.
    • GACLA - Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. Become involved at the state level with what is happening with the Latino population.
    • Volunteer English Program - provides free one-to-one tutoring for adult immigrants and refugees.  To become a student, call 610-918-8222.
      Read more at http://www.volunteerenglish.org/students/how-to-become-a-student.html and http://www.volunteerenglish.org/

    National Organizations

    • TESOL - Learn about what is happening in the world of English Language Learners
    • NABE - National Organization for Bilingual Educators

    Pennsylvania Resource

    • PDE’s ELL Resource - Pennsylvania has a rich resource available for questions dealing with English Language Learners.