English Language Development: ELD
Mission of the ELD Department:
· Provide guidance, policy, and procedures regarding the effective instruction of English Learners in both ELD and mainstream classrooms to maximize EL academic and linguistic outcomes.
· Build capacity for school level teams in their work with English Learners and families.
· Deliver meaningful, relevant professional learning and other forms of instructional support to teachers, principals, and other district personnel.
· Support speedy of enrollment of English Learners.
· Facilitate translation and interpretation services to ensure families can be active contributors to their children’s education.
· Collaborate with various internal departments to ensure equal access to District programming for ELs.
· Partner with families, community agencies, and other stakeholders to inform ELD programming and strengthen networks to support immigrant, refugee, and linguistically diverse youth.
Vision of the ELD Department:
The ELD Department is dedicated to ensuring that all English Learners (ELs) have equitable and consistent access to rigorous academic content, regardless of their English proficiency level.
We believe English Language Development (ELD) instruction will support students in progressing to higher levels of language proficiency and increasing academic content knowledge.
We also believe in high expectations for all ELs and embrace an asset-based approach that values the unique strengths and backgrounds of every English Learner in Pittsburgh Public Schools
Enrollment:
Welcome to the ELD (English Language Development) Department of Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Does your child:
- Speak a language other than English?
- Speak a language other than English at home?
- Have a first language other than English?
If so, he or she may qualify for English Language Development services. If you answer "YES" to any of the questions above, please email the ELD Department, and we can help you with the next steps.
Marilena Sanchez, ELD Family Liaison – msanchez1@pghschools.org
Anali Silva Puentes, ELD Family Liaison – asilvapuentes1@pghschools.org
Jonathan Covel, ELD Director – jcovel1@pghschools.org
Where English Language Development (ELD) Services Are Available
Students who qualify for English Language Development (ELD) services can receive support at either their neighborhood school or the closest ELD Regional Center.
ELD Regional Centers bring together ELD teachers and specialized resources to provide high-quality language instruction. Students attending a Regional Center participate in the same classes, activities, and opportunities as their peers while receiving the additional language support they need.
Families can choose whether their child attends their neighborhood school or the nearest ELD Regional Center. During enrollment, the English Language Development team will explain both options and help families determine which setting best meets their child's needs.
Current ELD Regional Centers for 26-27 School Year
|
Grade Bands |
North |
South |
East |
West |
|
K-5 |
Arsenal K-5 |
Banksville, Beechwood, Concord |
Greenfield |
Banksville |
|
6-8 |
Arsenal 6-8 |
South Hills |
Greenfield |
South Hills |
|
9-12 |
Perry |
Brashear |
Allderdice |
Brashear |
Program Overview:
We are committed to helping English Learners develop strong English language skills and succeed in their classes. The English Language Development (ELD) Program provides students with the language support they need to fully participate in grade-level learning.
Our program is designed to:
- Help students build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.
- Ensure students continue learning grade-level academic content while developing English language skills.
- Provide appropriate classroom supports and accommodations based on each student's English proficiency.
- Monitor student progress using classroom performance and state-required English language assessments.
Student Placement
Students are placed in the ELD instructional model that best meets their needs based on a variety of metrics including: academic data, state English language assessment results (WIDA ACCESS). School leadership teams and the English Language Development department work collaboratively to ensure each student receives the support they need to be successful. This could include pull out ELD instruction, co-teaching, or the ELD teacher delivering core ELA (English Language Arts) instruction.
Our goal is to help every English Learner develop English proficiency, access rigorous grade-level instruction, and thrive both academically and socially.
The following materials are used to support your child's English language development.
|
Grades K-6 (Reach Higher) |
Grades 7-12 (Lift) |
|
In the USA: Newcomers |
Lift Welcome |
|
Reach for the Starts (Gr. K) |
Lift Intro |
|
Reach Higher (Gr. 1) |
Lift Fundamentals |
|
Reach Higher (Gr. 2) |
Lift 1 |
|
Reach Higher (Gr. 3) |
|
|
Reach Higher (Gr. 4) |
|
|
Reach Higher (Gr. 5) |
|
|
Reach Higher (Gr. 6) |
|
We invite you to review the scope and sequence for Reach Higher here and Lift here.
The ELD department supports the usage of the following mainstream ELA curriculum: Open Court in grades K-5 and myPerspectives in grades 6-12. This may occur in a co-teaching setting or an appropriately certified ELD teacher may deliver the instruction with these resources. For the latter option, the ELD teacher must provide appropriate and differentiated scaffolds for all ELs within the class.
Standards
ELD is guided by standards that promote both English language development and acquisition of academic content.
Family and Student Resources:
There are a number of wonderful local resources available to the immigrant, international, and linguistically diverse communities.
- Casa San Jose
- Latino Community Center
- Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC)
- JFCS
- Hello Neighbor
- AJAPO
- Literacy Pittsburgh
- ARYSE
- BCAP
Contact Information:
|
ELD CENTRAL OFFICE TEAM |
|
|
Jonathan Covel, ELD Director |
|
|
Margo Elliott, ELD Instruction Specialist |
|
|
Megan Evangeliste, ELD Instructional Specialist |
|
|
Darling Garcia, Translation and Interpretation Manager |
|
|
Brett McCaw, ELD Testing Specialist |
|
|
Marilena Sanchez, ELD Family Liaison (12-month) |
|
|
Anali Silva Puentes (10-month) |
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Is ELD the same as ESL?
Yes. ELD (English Language Development) is a more updated term than ESL (English as a Second Language)
Who qualifies for English Language Development (ELD) services?
Students whose home language is not English may be screened to determine if they qualify for ELD services. If your child qualifies, they will receive language support based on their individual needs.
What is English Language Development (ELD)?
ELD is specialized instruction that helps students develop the English skills they need to succeed in school while continuing to learn grade-level academic content.
Is there a cost for ELD services?
No. ELD services are provided at no cost to families.
Will my child still learn the same subjects as other students?
Yes. Students continue learning grade-level content while receiving the language support they need to be successful.
Will my child miss regular classes?
Our goal is to provide English language support while ensuring students continue participating in their regular academic program. The amount and type of support depends on your child's individual needs.
How is my child's English progress measured?
Teachers monitor students' classroom progress throughout the year. Students also take the annual WIDA ACCESS assessment, which measures growth in English language development.
How long will my child receive ELD services?
Every student learns at a different pace. Students receive services until they demonstrate the English language proficiency needed to be successful without additional language support.
School Options
Can my child attend our neighborhood school?
Yes. Families may choose to have their child attend their neighborhood school or the closest ELD Regional Center, depending on the options available.
What is an ELD Regional Center?
An ELD Regional Center is a school with specialized English language support and staff. Students receive ELD instruction while participating in all aspects of school life.
Is transportation available if my child attends an ELD Regional Center?
Transportation follows the same general guidelines. For more specific details, please visit the Transportation website here.
Family Communication
How will I communicate with my child's school if I speak another language?
The district provides interpretation and translation services to help families communicate with schools. Please let your child's school know your preferred language.
Can I attend school meetings in my preferred language?
Yes. Interpreter services can be arranged for conferences, meetings, and other important school events.
Family Rights
Can I choose whether my child participates in ELD services?
Families are informed about ELD services and have rights regarding their child's participation. The English Language Development team can explain these options during enrollment.
Can my child participate in sports, clubs, and other activities?
Absolutely! Students receiving ELD services have the same opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, and school events as all other students.
Support at Home
How can I help my child at home?
Reading together, talking about school, encouraging your child to use both their home language and English, and staying connected with teachers are great ways to support learning.