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English Language Development Standards

The English language development (ELD) standards, ELD video series, information, and resources to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) design, implement, and enhance integrated and designated ELD instruction for English learner (EL) students.

California Education Code (EC) Section 60811 requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to approve ELD standards for pupils identified as EL students. The standards shall be comparable in rigor and specificity to the standards for English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science.

California English Language Development Standards: Kindergarten Through Grade 12

California English Language Development Standards (PDF)

The California English Language Development Standards (CA ELD Standards) amplify the California State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (ELA/Literacy). The CA ELD Standards, when used in tandem with state content standards, assist English learner students to build English proficiency, refine the academic use of English, and provide students access to subject area content.

EL students need a purpose for using language (social function), need to understand how to use the language meaningfully, and access resources to be knowledgeable in language selection to be precise and convey exact meaning.

The SBE adopted the CA ELD Standards in November 2012.

The CA ELD Standards are available as a free download. Printed publications of the CA ELD Standards may be purchased through the California Department of Education (CDE) Press Educational Resources Online Ordering web page.

CA ELD Standards Webinars

California English Language Development Standards Webinar Series External link opens in new window or tab.
This link contains a playlist of all the webinar recordings in this series.

Webinar 1: Revisiting the California ELD Standards External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 1:12:28)
This webinar was recorded on January 24, 2024. It provides an orientation to the California ELD Standards. It included an overview of the six chapters, the Proficiency Level Descriptors, and Parts I–III of the standards.

CA ELD Standards Webinar 1 Links
This page includes links to the resources referenced throughout the webinar.

Webinar 2: Professional Learning for Successful Implementation of the California ELD Standards External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 1:19:12)
This webinar was recorded on February 28, 2024. It highlights the following chapters in the California ELD Standards publication to support the professional learning for implementing the ELD standards:

  • Chapter 4, Theoretical Foundations and the Research Base of the California English Language Development Standards
  • Chapter 5, Learning About How English Works; and
  • Chapter 6, Foundational Literacy Skills for English Learners

CA ELD Standards Webinar 2 Links
This page includes links to the resources referenced throughout the webinar.

Webinar 3: California ELD Standards Proficiency Level Descriptors External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 1:06:13)
This webinar was recorded on March 20, 2024. It provides a detailed presentation of the California ELD Standards Proficiency Level Descriptors and how they are intended to be used as a guide for teachers to provide EL students with targeted instruction in ELD as well as differentiated instruction in academic content areas.

CA ELD Standards Webinar 3 Links
This page includes links to the resources referenced throughout the webinar.

Webinar 4: California ELD Standards Part I: Interacting in Meaningful Ways External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 1:11:20)
This webinar was recorded on April 24, 2024. It provides a detailed presentation of Part I: Interacting in Meaningful Ways, of the California ELD Standards to gain a better understanding of the standards and discuss how to develop appropriate integrated and designated ELD for EL students.

CA ELD Standards Webinar 4 Links
This page includes links to the resources referenced throughout the webinar.

Webinar 5: California ELD Standards Part II: Learning About How English Works External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 1:08:08) This webinar was recorded on May 22, 2024. It provides a detailed presentation of Part II: Learning About How English Works, of the California ELD Standards to gain a better understanding of the standards and discuss how to develop appropriate integrated and designated ELD instruction for EL students.

CA ELD Standards Webinar 5 Links
This page includes links to the resources referenced throughout the webinar.

CA ELD Standards Implementation Plan

Letter presenting the CA ELD Standards Implementation Plan to the Governor
Following adoption of the CA ELD Standards, EC Section 60811.3 (e) required the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the SBE to present to the Governor, and the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature, a schedule and implementation plan for integrating the CA ELD Standards into the public education system.

CA ELD Standards Implementation Plan (PDF)
The CA ELD Standards Implementation Plan identifies major phases and activities in the implementation of the CA ELD Standards throughout California’s educational system. The plan describes the philosophy of, and strategies for, the successful integration of the CA ELD Standards that align to the ELA/Literacy Standards to address English language and literacy skills EL students need in key content areas. The goal of the CA ELD Standards Implementation Plan is to serve as a guide of the major steps in the development, adoption, and implementation of the CA ELD Standards for LEAs.

Questions:   Language Policy and Leadership Office | 916-319-0845
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, December 03, 2024
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