English Language Development (ELD) Program
At Durango School District, our English Language Development (ELD) program supports multilingual students by leveraging their diverse cultural backgrounds and home languages. We believe a student's native language is a valuable asset, enriching their learning experience.
Our certified ELD staff provides interactive instruction in English, simultaneously developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. We use data to personalize learning and track student progress.
Our Approach to ELD Instruction
Durango School District provides comprehensive support for Multilingual Learners (MLs) designed to accelerate language acquisition and ensure access to rigorous academics.
Elementary and Middle School
- Targeted Small Group Instruction: Students identified as Level 1 or early Level 2 (Non-English Proficient - NEP) receive direct ELD instruction in small groups using our district-wide curricula: National Geographic Reach Higher (K-5) and Lift (6-12).
- Collaborative Co-Teaching Model: For students at late Level 2 or Level 3 (Limited English Proficient - LEP), ELD services are provided through a co-teaching model. To ensure both language development and adherence to grade-level standards and rigor, general education and ELD teachers collaborate closely on planning and delivering core content instruction.
High School
- Newcomer Program: First-year students new to the U.S. and English (NEP) can join Durango High School's optional Newcomer Program for intensive ELD instruction and credit accumulation support. This model allows students access to core content classes along with robust ELD support.
- Comprehensive ELD Support: All high school MLs have access to:
- Direct ELD Instruction: Utilizing National Geographic Lift (6-12) to target specific language proficiency levels and develop academic English.
- Co-Taught Core Content Classes: Offered in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. General education and ELD teachers collaborate to integrate language development strategies, benefiting students at various proficiency levels (including late Level 2 or Level 3 LEP).
Benefits of Co-Teaching
Our co-teaching model ensures:
- Inclusivity: Students remain in core content classes.
- Grade-Level Access: Students access grade-level content and standards.
- Peer Language Models: Students interact with English-speaking peers.
- Teacher Collaboration: General education and ELD teachers collaborate on planning and instruction.
- Integrated Language Support: Language strategies are seamlessly woven into instruction.
- Shared Responsibility: All teachers share responsibility for student success.
Theory of Action for Co-Teaching
By providing dedicated time for teachers to co-plan and co-teach, language acquisition will occur naturally within context, anchored by prior knowledge and grade-level content. This will lead to accelerated growth in both language acquisition and content knowledge for English learners, enabling them to achieve full English proficiency within three to five years.
Partnership with Families
We value the vital role multilingual families play and encourage the continued use of primary languages at home to support language, literacy, and background knowledge development. We are committed to partnering with families to support each child's academic growth.
Identification Process
Upon enrollment, if a student uses languages other than English at home, we administer an English language proficiency screener (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Based on these results, a student may qualify for ELD instruction.
ACCESS for MLs Assessment
Annually, in January and February, all identified Multilingual Learners (MLs) take the statewide ACCESS for ELLs® assessment to monitor their English proficiency progress. Parents receive a report in the spring detailing their child's results. This data informs staffing, program decisions, and ensures effective ELD services.
Contact Information
For questions about ELD program eligibility or ACCESS testing, please contact the District ELD Coordinator at (970) 247-5411.
Our ELD Staff
- District ELD Coordinator: Amber Connet
- Animas Valley Elementary: Lauren Houston
- Florida Mesa Elementary: Maria Miller and Katie Sands
- Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary: Maria Miller
- Needham Elementary: Jenny Christensen and Mandy McKown
- Park Elementary: Sue Krichman and Tillie Reed
- Riverview Elementary: Darren Cioppa
- Sunnyside Elementary: Kira Cunningham
- Escalante Middle School: Jenny McKenzie
- Miller Middle School: Deidre Hiles and Molly McPherson
- Durango High School: Asa Ansong, Liz Dillman, Duncan Hubbs, and Sarah Sánchez Armstrong
- Big Picture High School: Dylan Netter
- The Hub: Kira Cunningham