The Washington State English Language Development Standards are designed to assist classroom teachers in assessing the progress of English language learners toward attaining full fluency in English. The standards set clear benchmarks that reflect students’ English language proficiency at various grade levels. The goal is to ensure that limited English proficient (LEP) students develop English proficiency and meet the same academic content and academic achievement standards. ELD terms are defined in the ELD Glossary.
Language Proficiency Levels
Using the English Language Development Standards to identify a student’s proficiency level is the first step towards designing effective instruction to ensure that all ELL students can access content. There are four proficiency levels (beginning/advanced beginning, intermediate, advanced, transitional) in each of the four language domains (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing). A fifth domain, Comprehension, is embedded within the domains of Listening and Reading and is part of the
English Language Proficiency Assessment (WELPA).
When possible, benchmarks were combined and collapsed, grouping similar components. Some components continue through grade levels to reflect students’ English language development needs.
- ELD Listening/Speaking Standards (PDF)
Listening and speaking are combined into one set of descriptors.
- ELD Reading Standards (Word)
Six areas are embedded: Language Production, Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension.
- ELD Writing Standards (Word)
Five areas are embedded: Language Production, Purpose, Conventions, Audience/Voice, and Writing Process