What Is English Language Development (ELD)? 

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are the foundations for academic success in any language. Learn to support multilingual learners in developing and mastering these language skills with the following English language development (ELD) standards and strategies. Then put strategies to practice through featured ELD activities and resources. 

Note on language: Students who are learning English do not fit neatly into a single label. We use the common phrases multilingual learner, English language learner, ELL students along with the acronym ELL, but we recognize that any label is imperfect.

English Language Development Definition

English language development (ELD) is the process in which individuals acquire, refine, and master the English language. This multifaceted process not only involves mastery of the four language domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), but also involves an understanding of cultural and contextual nuances in language.

As educators, it is important to understand how multilingual learners acquire another language and where they fall on the language development continuum. There are five stages to second language acquisition:

1. Pre-Production Stage: Also referred to the “silent stage.” At this stage, students take in the new language and interact by pointing or gesturing.
2. Early Production Stage: Students begin to speak using short words and sentences.
3. Speech Emergence Stage: Students can use short phrases, simple sentences, ask questions, and respond to simple questions. However, students may use inappropriate grammar and have difficulty communicating ideas.
4. Intermediate Fluency Stage: Students are able to form longer, more complex statements more confidently and are able to demonstrate higher order thinking skills.
5. Advanced Fluency Stage: Students acquire and continue to acquire content-area vocabulary. The student is fluent.

ELL students enter the classroom at varying stages. That’s why it is important to assess where students are to better meet their needs.

What Is Targeted English Language Development Instruction?

Targeted ELD instruction, also referred to as dedicated or designated ELD instruction, is designed to help ELL students develop critical English language skills needed for content learning. This instruction should be aligned to your state’s adopted ELD standards and requires explicit development of English language knowledge, skills, and abilities. Therefore, a targeted ELD program engages ELL students in thinking, speaking, writing, reading, and vocabulary building. Additionally, targeted instruction takes place during a protected time in the school day. This differs from integrated ELD instruction, as this type of instruction calls for content area lessons throughout the school day where students simultaneously learn content as they strengthen their English language skills.

The featured table shows the difference between targeted ELD instruction and integrated ELD instruction.

What Are English Language Development Standards?

English language development standards outline the expected progression of multilingual learners’ English language proficiency in four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. ELD standards serve as a guide for curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

One of the most commonly used and recognized ELD standards comes from WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment), an educational consortium that designs and implements proficiency standards for K–12 English language learners. There are various ELD standards implemented across schools in the U.S., including standards from not only WIDA, but also ELPAC, TELPAS, and other ELD organizations, as illustrated in the map below:

WIDA’s ELD standards offer a comprehensive framework that categorizes English language proficiency into six different levels, ranging from entering (level 1) to reaching (level 6).

Schools and educators use ELD standards to ensure that English language learners receive appropriate and targeted instruction to foster their language development.

English Language Development Strategies

Use these instructional strategies to successfully facilitate English language development among your multilingual learners.

Scaffold Instruction

Through scaffolding, teachers can provide students support to enhance their learning. Sentence frames are a scaffolding tool that help ELL students confidently communicate, either when speaking or writing.

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids, like charts, diagrams, and pictures, provide multilingual learners with context for language learning.

Incorporate Collaborative Learning 

Collaborative learning provides ELL students with meaningful opportunities to practice English with their peers. These activities reinforce language skills, like speaking and listening.

Build Vocabulary

Developing a strong vocabulary helps ELL students understand and express ideas effectively as well as comprehend texts. Find additional strategies for teaching ELL students vocabulary.

English Language Development Activities

Find engaging and effective activities to reinforce English language skills and promote English Language development. 

Practice Conversational Language with Role-Playing

Encouraging students to engage in role-playing scenarios to practice conversational English and build confidence in communication. For example, have student pretend they are ordering food at a restaurant or purchasing an item at the store. 

Promote Critical Thinking with Debates and Discussions

Organize debates and discussions on relevant topics to promote critical thinking and fluency in expressing opinions.

Encourage Collaboration with Project-Based Learning

Implement project-based learning activities where students collaborate on projects, promoting language use in real-world contexts. 

English Language Development Resources

Check out these valuable tools and resources to support your ELL students in English language development.

Online ELD Programs

Interactive ELD programs build on multilingual learners’ existing linguistic strengths and accelerate English proficiency. Seek out especially robust curricula, like English 3D, that includes evidence-based ELD courses that meet the needs of multilingual learners at all proficiency levels—from newcomers to long-term English learners.

Printable Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are great tools to help English language learners construct deeper understanding. Find a collection of graphic organizers for ELL students.

Downloadable Guide on Response Frames

Response frames are a scaffolding tool that offer multilingual learners additional language support structuring a written or verbal response. To learn more about response frames and access a set of printable response frames, download “A Guide to Response Frames with Multilingual Learners.”

Through targeted ELD instruction, adherence to ELD standards, and implementation of effective strategies and activities, educators can create an environment that empowers students to navigate and master the English language.

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Help multilingual learners in grades 4–12 to rapidly acquire the language skills necessary for academic success with English 3D.