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AB 714: ELD Instructional Requirements

Many newcomer students are also English learners. State and federal laws require that English learners receive appropriate ELD instruction. The information below supports the work required by Assembly Bill (AB) 714.

Assembly Bill (AB) 714 Home | Graduation & Academic Access | English Language Development (ELD) Requirements | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Local educational agencies (LEAs) are responsible for providing effective language instruction programs that support both English development and academic success (California Code of Regulations, Title 5 [5 CCR] Section 11309; and US Code, Title 20 [20 USC] Section 6825).

ELD Instructional Requirements:

  • ELD is required for all English learners until they are reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). (5 CCR sections 11302 and 11309)
  • Language acquisition programs are required to be research-based and supported with qualified teachers, appropriate materials, and meaningful family engagement. Programs should lead to grade-level English proficiency and academic achievement within a reasonable time (5 CCR Section 11309). ELD instruction should be provided in both the integrated and designated settings (5 CCR Section 11300):
    • Integrated ELD means instruction in which the state-adopted ELD standards are used in tandem with the state-adopted academic content standards (5 CCR Section 11300[c]).
    • Designated ELD means instruction provided during a time set aside in the regular school day for focused instruction on the state-adopted ELD standards to assist English learners to develop critical English language skills necessary for academic content learning in English (5 CCR Section 11300[a].)

Related Resources

California ELD Standards

Outlines proficiency levels and expectations for English learners and provides guidance for both designated and integrated ELD instruction.

California ELD Standards web page

California ELD Standards (PDF)

California ELD Standards Webinar Series External link opens in new window or tab.

English Language Arts (ELA)/ELD Framework

State Board of Education Adopted ELA/ELD Framework
The California ELA/ELD Framework provides guidance for implementing the state’s ELA and ELD Standards in an integrated and aligned way. It supports equitable, rigorous instruction that fosters language development, literacy, and academic achievement for all students, including newcomers.

ELA/ELD Framework Implementation Support

ELA/ELD Implementation Support web page
Provides support for educators in implementing the ELD standards across content areas.

ELD Video Series: Integrated and Designated ELD

ELD Video Series
Professional learning videos and resources that demonstrate ELD instruction in real classrooms.

California English Learner Roadmap

California Department of Education’s (CDE's) Newcomer Students Page
The CDE's Newcomer Students page outlines the importance of newcomer programs that are tailored to newcomer students’ diverse backgrounds – including refugees, English learners, and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) students – and provides guidance for LEAs to design programs using the California English Learner Roadmap.

Questions:   Language Policy & Leadership Office | 916-319-0845
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
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