The English Language Development (ELD) program serves non-native English speakers with limited English proficiency.  The goal of the program is to enable students to communicate effectively in English for academic, social and career success.  English Learners (EL’s) take one to four ELD classes a day.  Their other classes are in the mainstream program.  Students exit the ELD program as soon as they are able to succeed in the mainstream.

Upon enrollment at San Mateo High School, all students whose primary language is not English are assessed to determine their level of English proficiency.  Students are then appropriately placed in either the ELD or mainstream program.  EL’s who are fully mainstreamed remain eligible for English language support.

ELD 1-2
Grade: All Grades
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: No
Prerequisite: Test and teacher recommendation

This double-period course is for beginning EL’s.  Students develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and begin to participate in their school and local communities.  Each semester students receive 10 units, 5 units of which meet the English graduation requirement.  The other units are considered elective units.  Students in this course also take ELD Reading.

ELD 3-4
Grade: All Grades
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: Test and teacher recommendation.

This double-period course for intermediate EL’s is designed as a bridge from EL to mainstream English.  The curriculum for ELD 3-4 is aligned with the English 1-2 curriculum to prepare students for the High School Exit Exam.  Heavy emphasis is given to literature of various genres, writing, grammar and vocabulary acquisition.  Students use technology to research and present information.  Each semester students receive 10 units, 5 units of which meet the English graduation requirement.  The other units are considered elective units.  Students in this course also take ELD Reading and an ELD History course.

READING ELD 1-2
Grade: All Grades
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: No
Prerequisite: Test and teacher recommendation.

This course for beginning EL’s starts with phonics, sight words and documents of immediate importance, such as class schedules and school forms.  Students continue to acquire reading and spelling skills on a thematic basis and complete the course when they are able to read simple books independently.

READING ELD 3-4
Grade: All Grades
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: No
Prerequisite: Test and teacher recommendation.

This course for advanced beginner and intermediate EL’s helps students develop their understanding of nonfiction.  Emphasis is placed on reading fluency, vocabulary development and the acquisition of reading strategies.

TRANSITIONAL 9 ELD 1-2
Grade: 9
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: No
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in English 1-2.

The class is a specially designed course for English Learners who are entering the ninth grade and whose reading and writing skills are below grade level. Students enrolled in this class may have more than five years of schooling in the United States.  The course is designed to help students adapt to the rigors of the academic core and develop their academic literacy skills.  The class focuses on the development of the English language including academic reading, writing, communication and study sills that are necessary in content courses.

TRANSITIONAL ELD 1-2
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: No
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in a mainstream English class.

This course is designed to offer academic support to newly mainstreamed EL’s.  The curriculum focuses on advanced grammar, study skills and reading strategies.  Students receive help with mainstream assignments from their transition teacher.

ELD Department
CeCe Cronin, chair
Karen Abernathy
Catherine Bunch
Shoshana Kalinski
Jessica Moore
Gerry Mountain
Martin Ortega
Ya-Hui Steinbrecher