About This Program
The English Language Development (ELD) program is designed to promote student success in school by providing instruction in the development of listening, speaking, vocabulary, reading, writing skills and grammar in the English language. To ensure that all students in the program learn English as quickly as possible, and to comply with Proposition 203 regulations, all ELD instruction in the Chandler Unified School District is taught in English.
Information regarding students' academic progress is distributed to parents quarterly in the form of progress reports and report cards. Those parents or guardians wishing to review their child's progress in meeting academic standards or to receive information regarding his/her English proficiency should contact the classroom teacher.
Program Eligibility Criteria
Upon enrollment to CUSD, the Home Language Survey (HLS) is used by the school to collect information from the three questions regarding the language(s) the student has spoken, understood, or been exposed to. The responses will help determine if the student will take the Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA) in order to provide the most appropriate instructional programs and services for the student.
Students in kindergarten through grade 12 are evaluated for listening, speaking, reading and writing competency. The results of this language assessment are used to determine whether a child will benefit from the services provided through the ELD program. A Parental Notification and Consent form is sent home as students qualify.
All students identified as English Learner (EL), whether they are in the ELD program or withdrawn by parents, are re-evaluated annually to determine their progress in learning English. All assessment results are available to parents through the child's ELD teacher. Students who score an overall "Proficient" on the AZELLA are exited from the ELD program. A Reclassification form is sent home to parents regarding their child's exit status.
These procedures are implemented in accordance with ARS 15-751-756. For more information, visit our CUSD Assessment page on AZELLA.
Program Services
The English Language Development (ELD) program services include classroom instruction planned and delivered by certified teachers trained in Structured English Immersion strategies.
Arizona's Language Development Approach (LDA)
Arizona's Language Development Approach (LDA) and the Four Principles guide the research-based and non-negotiable components of a comprehensive instructional program for EL students. Although some specific practices may vary depending on the SEI Model being implemented at the school site, evidence-based practices are implemented and adapted to provide coherent instruction aligned with the Arizona English language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).
- Principle 1: Asset-Based Behaviors and Expectations
- Principle 2: Integrated Instruction in Disciplinary Language and Content
- Principle 3: Targeted and Explicit Language Instruction
- Principle 4: Assessment, Monitoring, and Feedback
Principle 1: Asset-Based Behaviors and Expectations
Principle 2: Integrated Instruction in Disciplinary Language and Content
Principle 3: Targeted and Explicit Language Instruction
Principle 4: Assessment, Monitoring, and Feedback
Teacher Credentials
All Chandler Unified School District teachers working with English Language learners, delivering required minutes of the SEI models, are required to have an English as a Second Language (ESL), Bilingual Education (BLE), or Structured English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement. (AZ Board Rule, 7 A.A.C. 2.L)
Curriculum & Instruction
Patricia Fernandez
PreK - 12 Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction
PreK - 12 Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction
ELD Academic Coaches
Find contact information and school site assignments for our ELD Academic Coaches below.