Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Department provides Multilingual Learners (MLs) in Adams 12 Five Star Schools with opportunities to develop social and academic English while also engaging in grade-level content. English Language Development (ELD) instruction is part of an ML's first best instruction. ELD is designed to promote language development in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing, and instruction is based on the Colorado English Language Proficiency Standards. ELD instruction is provided by highly-qualified teachers. Additionally, all content teachers develop teaching skills though quality professional learning in order to help MLs learn and succeed. This includes providing ample and appropriate opportunities for language development as well as sheltering grade-level content in such a way as to make it comprehensible to MLs.

Successful Multilingual Learners

• Learn English through ELD instruction as well as language development opportunities within the context of grade-level content

• Have access to the academic content at their grade level

• Have their linguistic, academic and cultural needs met at their own neighborhood schools

• Are grouped together with native English speakers to benefit from native English-speaking models when appropriate

• Have the same opportunity to participate in higher-level content classes, enrichment experiences, and extracurricular activities as do their native English-speaking peers

• Receive appropriate intervention for their specific language and academic needs from the appropriate educator when first best instruction (ELD + appropriate classroom instruction) is not sufficient