About Us

What is English Language Development?

English Language Development, or ELD, is a program for each student whose dominant language is not English for the purpose of facilitating the student's achievement of English proficiency and the academic standards. 

It includes:

1. Planned English language development instruction by a qualified ESL/Bilingual Education teacher, and
2. Adaptations/modifications in the delivery of content instruction and assessments by all teachers based on students' language proficiency levels and the Pennsylvania English Language Development Standards (PA ELDS) Framework for ELs as well as the Pennsylvania academic standards.

This program was formerly known as English as a Second Language, or ESL.

For more information on ELD: PDE’s Website on Educating English Learners 

Who are English Learners?

There are more than 61,000 English Learners (ELs) speaking more than 200 different languages in Pennsylvania. ELs include students who were not born in the US, whose native language is other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant OR students who are migratory with a native language other than English and come from an environment where English is not the dominant language. The goal of language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) is to facilitate the development and attainment of English proficiency and academic achievement of students whose native or first language is not English. 

How do students get placed into the program?

Upon registration, parents/guardians of new students must complete the Home Language Survey (HLS).  Based on the responses to the HLS, an ESL teacher will screen and/or assess a newly enrolled student for his/her English language proficiency. ESL teachers will review student screener scores and student records to suggest the best placement. Parents also have the right to refuse placement in Pennridge’s LIEP. This decision must be informed and voluntary. For more information on opting out of ELD services, click here. 

How do students exit the program?

Students in the ELD program are assessed annually using the WIDA ACCESS Test. ELD teachers determine whether the student has met state-mandated exit criteria each year. After exiting the program, students will be monitored by ESL teachers for four years. Exit criteria and monitoring information can be found here.

Translation Services

Pennridge School District uses an interpreter service and can use translators to communicate in more than 200 languages.