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Rialto Unified School District

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English Language Development (ELD)

English Language Development (ELD)

English Language Development (ELD) in Rialto Unified School District is designed to support all students as they develop the academic English skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Our ELD program ensures that English Learners have full access to grade‑level curriculum while building proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.

ELD instruction is aligned to the California English Language Development (ELD) Standards and works hand‑in‑hand with English Language Arts and content‑area instruction to promote strong language development across all subjects.

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Our Approach to English Language Development

Rialto USD provides English Language Development through two required and complementary components:

Integrated English Language Development

Integrated ELD takes place throughout the school day in all content areas, including English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

In Integrated ELD:

  • All teachers support English language development during grade‑level instruction.

  • Lessons are designed to make content understandable while intentionally developing academic language.

  • Students engage in meaningful speaking, listening, reading, and writing aligned to grade‑level standards.

  • Instruction includes scaffolds, language supports, and opportunities for collaboration so English Learners can fully participate alongside their peers.

Integrated ELD ensures that English Learners are learning academic content and English at the same time.

ELD Instruction

 

Designated English Language Development

Designated ELD is a protected time during the school day specifically focused on developing English language skills.

In Designated ELD:

  • Instruction is delivered by a trained teacher using the California ELD Standards.

  • Students are grouped by similar English proficiency levels to target instruction more effectively.

  • Lessons focus explicitly on how English works, including vocabulary development, grammar, sentence structure, and academic discourse.

  • Instruction is responsive to student needs and supports progress toward English proficiency and reclassification.

Designated ELD provides English Learners with focused instruction that accelerates language growth.

Supporting Student Progress

English Learners are assessed annually using the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC). Teachers also use classroom‑based progress monitoring, including ELD standards, to ensure students are advancing through proficiency levels in each language domain.

Our goal is to help students:

  • Build confidence using English in academic settings

  • Meet grade‑level academic standards

  • Progress toward reclassification as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP)

  • Develop the language skills needed for college, career, and lifelong learning

ELD Resources

A Commitment to Equity and Access

Rialto Unified School District is committed to providing equitable, high‑quality ELD instruction for all English Learners. Through Integrated and Designated ELD, collaboration among educators, and partnership with families, we ensure students receive the support they need to thrive academically while honoring their linguistic and cultural strengths.

For more information about English Language Development or your child’s ELD services, please contact your school or the Multilingual Programs Department.