English Language Development(ELD) Program

Program Overview

At Howard Gardner Community School, we believe multilingualism is an asset. Our English Language Development (ELD) Program is designed to help English Learners develop the academic language, literacy, and confidence needed to succeed in every classroom while honoring and building upon each student's linguistic and cultural strengths.Our ELD program is aligned with the California English Learner Roadmap, which provides guidance for creating equitable, engaging, and academically rigorous learning experiences for multilingual learners. Families can learn more through the California Department of Education's:
‍California English Learner Roadmap: English Learner Roadmap
‍EL Roadmap Resources: California English Learner Roadmap Resources
‍EL Roadmap At-a-Glance: EL Roadmap At-a-Glance

Student Services

Integrated English Language Development

English language development happens throughout the school day in every classroom. Teachers intentionally embed language instruction into all content areas using research-based instructional strategies that promote listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
At HGCS, Integrated ELD is enhanced through our instructional model, which emphasizes:
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- Project-Based Inquiry to provide authentic opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and real-world problem solving.
- Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences framework, allowing students to demonstrate understanding and develop language through a variety of strengths and learning modalities.
- Academic discourse, vocabulary development, and structured language supports across all subjects.

Designated English Language Development

‍In addition to Integrated ELD, English Learners receive Designated ELD instruction during our daily PowerHour. During this dedicated instructional block, students participate in targeted small-group lessons focused on developing English proficiency based on their current language needs and ELPAC performance.Students may also receive additional language support during Learning Lab, where teachers provide individualized instruction, practice, intervention, and opportunities to strengthen academic language skills.

Family Partnership
‍Families are essential partners in every student's success. We encourage parents and guardians to stay informed about their child's progress and participate in opportunities that support our English Learner community.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
‍Howard Gardner Community School values family voice and participation through our English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC). ELAC provides parents and guardians of English Learners an opportunity to collaborate with school staff, learn about programs and services, and provide input on school plans that support multilingual learners.

If you are interested in serving on our ELAC committee or would like more information, please contact Mrs. Elizabeth Gordon Neibert, Coordinator of Curriculum, Instruction & Data. We welcome your partnership in supporting the success of all English Learners.

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