English Language Development

The Pullman School District offers an English Language Development (ELD) program to students who do not speak English as their native language, and who need to develop English proficiency. We offer specialized instruction from ELD specialists in collaboration with mainstream teachers to effectively teach multilingual learners (MLLs) listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Many of the district’s teachers have been GLAD or SIOP trained to ensure their instruction is accessible to MLL students. Elementary students participate in their mainstream classes and receive specialized ELD instruction either through push-in support or in small groups based on each student’s proficiency and grade level. Secondary students may take one focused ELD class to develop their language proficiency while also attending mainstream classes.

English Language Development Program Header


           WIDA Logo                                                                                                                                       Program Eligibility: Eligibility for the ELD program begins with the administration of a Home Language Survey to determine if a language other than English is spoken at home, and if the child first spoke a language other than English. If the child speaks a language other than English, the student’s English language ability is measured with the WIDA English Language Proficiency screener test within the student’s first 10 days of attendance. The WIDA screener measures speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Students whose scores indicate they are in need of assistance receive ELD services. 

   

Explaining Multilingual Learner (MLL) Status

Want to further understand the process of how students are screened and identified as Multilingual Learners (MLLs)? Click on one of the icons below for the language of your family.

   English    Spanish    Arabic    Korean    Portuguese  Simplified Chinese
 English  Spanish Arabic  Korean   Portuguese Simplified Chinese
 
Other languages are also available: 
                               



Program Evaluation

Students remain in the ELD program until they have mastered the skills needed to pass the annual WIDA ACCESS language proficiency test. MLLs are assessed annually each spring. In late spring or summer, parents/guardians will receive a letter and the test results indicating if their child passed the WIDA ACCESS.

Visit the District Assessment page for more information and to view a demonstration or try a WIDA ACCESS practice test.

 

ELD Advisory Committee

Are you interested in serving as a parent representative on the ELD Advisory Committee for Pullman Public Schools? The committee aides in developing, monitoring, implementing, and evaluating the district's Title III and State Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program plan. The committee meets 5x throughout the school year.

If you are interested in joining the ELD Advisory Committee please contact the Instructional Programs office by phone at (509) 332-3144 or by email at [email protected].

Link to WIDA ELD Standards Framework Link to Proficiency Level Descriptors Link to Resources for Parents of Multilingual Learners Link to Home Language Survey