Get Ready! Soar - PROGRAM SAMPLER

The language journey English Learners (ELs) must navigate is complicated . Today, all states have English language development (ELD) standards to offer guidance across the stages of language learning . The most widely used set of language standards is the WIDA standards (in 40 US states and territories) (WIDA, 2020) . Another set of standards is derived from a multi-state consortium that centers on the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21 st Century or “ELPA 21” (ELPA21 .org, 2014) . However, other states such as California and Texas have developed their own specific standards . These standards all offer guidance across language domains . No matter the descriptors used, each set displays a general progression of English language development . The WIDA standards and other state- specific language standards, such as the ELPS (in Texas) and the ELD standards (in California), are all aligned to state academic standards . The design ensures ELs are taught the academic English they need for school success . They work in conjunction with language proficiency assessments . Children are not only having language proficiency assessed, but the reports reveal to educators what ELs can be expected to do across language domains (WIDA “Can-Do” descriptors), Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) in Texas, and the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) Performance Level Descriptors . The pedagogical design of Get Ready! is based upon ELD standards, and they drive instruction in that they help guide the planning, implementation, and assessment of student learning . References California Department of Education . (2012), California English Language Development Standards (Electronic Edition) Kindergarten Through Grade 12 . Sacramento, California: Dept . of Education . English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21 st Century (ELPA) Consortium . (2013) . English language proficiency standards. Available at http://elpa21 .org/elp- standards Texas Education Agency . (2017) . English language proficiency standards . Available at https://tea .texas .gov/ WorkArea/DownloadAsset .aspx?id=51539617659 WIDA Consortium . (2012) . English language development standards, kindergarten – grade 12 . Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System . Available at https:// wida .wisc .edu WIDA Consortium . (2020) . English language development standards framework, 2020 Edition, kindergarten – grade 12 . Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System . Available at https://wida .wisc .edu/ sites/default/files/resource/WIDA-ELD-Standards- Framework-2020 .pdf Get Ready! in your classroom • In the Teacher’s Edition, the phrases set in colorful boldface type, frequently set after a bullet, indicate that students are being asked to do a standards- aligned activity . • Children’s receptive language skills of listening and viewing are activated when they are asked to demonstrate active listening, demonstrate close viewing, recognize sounds, recognize words, recognize parts of speech, and, indeed, to use any kind of visuals or gesture to develop vocabulary . Keeping students’ English language proficiency as newcomers in mind, teachers ask students to confirm understanding by gesturing themselves, or by manipulating cards, or otherwise producing one-word responses . • Students’ productive language skills of speaking and writing are activated when they are asked to use draw and label drawings, use graphic organizers, use sentence frames, use the language of math/language arts/science/social studies, write words, write sentences, answer questions, exchange information, communicate about familiar topics, and share ideas, among other tasks . Txix ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS