K-12 English Language Development (ELD)

ELD Department Photo In Waterford, we are proud to partner with our multilingual families. With over 40 languages spoken by our students and their families, we believe that this diversity makes our school community richer and stronger.

The Waterford School District’s English Language Development (ELD) program, which was previously known as the English as a Second Language (ESL) program, supports around 600 students who speak a language other than English at home. Our program is designed to help these English Learners (ELs) grow in both their language and academic skills, ensuring that each student can succeed and thrive.

Aligned with our district’s mission, the ELD program provides excellent learning experiences for all of our students who are learning English. We do this through two key approaches: Designated and Integrated English Language Development instruction.

Designated ELD Instruction

This is a special time set aside during the day for focused English instruction with a teacher who is specially trained in working with English Learners.

During designated ELD time, students are placed in small groups or one-on-one sessions where they get specific lessons on important language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and communication strategies.
For example, a beginner English Learner might work on learning everyday words like "school," "teacher," or "friend," while more advanced students might focus on using complex sentences to express their ideas.
This type of instruction is especially helpful for newcomers to the U.S. or those just beginning to learn English, as it helps them build the language foundation they need to do well in their content classes.

Integrated ELD Instruction

This approach involves blending language learning with subjects like math, science, or social studies.

Here, students learn English while also learning academic content. For example, in a science lesson about plants, the teacher might introduce new vocabulary words like "photosynthesis" and guide students in discussing how plants grow, all while helping them practice using English.
Classroom teachers and ELD specialists work together to support students, making sure they are learning both the subject material and improving their English at the same time.
Integrated ELD is a great approach for students who already have some knowledge of English and are ready to tackle both language learning and school subjects together.

By offering both designated and integrated ELD, we ensure that every English Learner receives the kind of instruction that best meets their needs, helping them gain the skills to succeed in school and beyond.