Multilingual learner Instructional Support
Multilingual learners are a diverse and dynamic group of students who bring rich linguistic and cultural assets to our schools. This includes newcomers, long-term English learners, students with interrupted formal education, and those in dual language programs. Each learner's journey is unique, and all deserve responsive, high-quality instruction. By honoring their identities and building on their strengths, we help multilingual learners thrive—and strengthen our communities in the process.
- English Learner Typologies
- Comprehensive ELD
- ELPAC
EL Typologies
- Newcomer/Immigrant
- Newcomer/Immigrant - ELs who have been in the U.S. for 1 or 2 years
- Highly School Newcomer ELs - ELs who have been in the U.S. for 1 or 2 years, and who attained a high quality education in their primary language
- Student with Interrupted Formal Education - students who had limited to no access to school in their home country or whose education was interrupted
- Transnational ELs - ELs who travel frequently from the U.S. and their home country
- At Risk (of becoming LTEL)
- Long-Term English Learner (LTEL) - Students who remain classified as EL for 5 years or longer
- Redesignated Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) - Former ELs who have met their state’s linguistic and academic criteria to be reclassified as fluent English proficient and exited from EL programs
- Struggling Redesignated Fluent English Proficient
- B.E.L.I.E.F. Module with EL Typologies (sponsored by CISC and CSSESSA)
Comprehensive ELD
Grounded in California Education Code 11300 and the belief that multilingualism is an asset, Comprehensive ELD ensures that English learners have full access to grade-level content while developing academic English. Comprehensive ELD is a coordinated approach to English language development that values and builds on the strengths multilingual learners bring to the classroom. “English learners at all English proficiency levels and at all ages require both Integrated ELD and Designated ELD.” (ELA/ELD Framework)
- Designated ELD is defined as instruction provided during a time during the regular school day for focused instruction on the state-adopted ELD standards to assist English learners to develop critical English language skills necessary for academic content learning in English. (California Code of Regulations, Title 5 [5 CCR] Section 11300[a])
- Integrated ELD is defined as instruction in which the state-adopted ELD standards are used in tandem with the state-adopted academic content standards. Integrated ELD includes specifically designed academic instruction in English. (5 CCR Section 11300[c])
Guidance for Comprehensive ELD
In California, comprehensive ELD for multilingual learners is guided by several key state-adopted frameworks, tools, and initiatives that work together to support both Designated ELD and Integrated ELD.
(for items below, add accordion within pop up window IF possible)
CA EL Roadmap
- EL Roadmap Policy
- EL Roadmap Guidance
- EL Roadmap Resource Hub
- Preschool/TK Toolkit
- Elementary Teacher Toolkit
- Middle School Teacher Toolkit
- High School Teacher Toolkit
- Counselor Toolkit
- Admin Toolkit v.1
- Admin Toolkit v.2
- Admin Toolkit v.3
- Admin Toolkit v.4
- Admin Toolkit v.5
- EL Roadmap FAQs
CA ELD Standards
CA ELA/ELD Framework
ELPAC
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the required test for measuring how well students in kindergarten through grade twelve understand and use English. The ELPAC helps educators monitor student progress, inform instruction and determine when students are ready to be reclassified as fluent English proficient. It is a key tool in supporting the academic success of multilingual learners across California.
CA Practitioners’ Guide for Educating EL with Disabilities CDE page
Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners (OPTEL)
Improving Outcomes for Multilingual Students with Exceptional Needs (MuSE)
U.S. Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA)
U.S. Department of Education, English Learner Toolkit (2017)
Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education (2nd Edition)
Improving Education for Multilingual and English Learner Students (2020)
