Walnut Creek School District

The English Language Development Program is designed to help English Learners (EL’s) achieve language proficiency and academic achievement comparable to that of the average native speaker within the district as quickly and effectively as possible.

Students whose home language surveys indicate a language other than English are assessed using the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC). The four proficiency levels determined by the ELPAC are level 1: Beginning, level 2: Somewhat Developed, level 3: Moderately Developed, level 4: Well Developed. Those students who demonstrate limited English proficiency are designated “English Learners.”

EL’s receive appropriate language instruction based on their language proficiency level. In addition, the state’s ELD standards provide a “road map” for differentiating instruction in the classroom. The curriculum offered to level 1 & 2 students includes a strong emphasis on basic communication skills and oral language fluency. At level 3 & 4 a more content-based curriculum is emphasized to serve as the gateway to academic learning in English. Students at levels 3 & 4 receive daily English Language Development that is comparable to grade-level English Language Arts standards.