• English Language Development (ELD) Program  

     

      

    RESPECT and ACCEPTANCE of DIVERSITIES

    is a philosophical cornerstone of Council Rock School District.

    Council Rock is proud to have an ever-increasing population of students who speak other languages. Currently, there are more than 30 languages represented in our schools. This infusion of many cultures and ethnic customs provides multiple learning experiences for Council Rock staff, students, and also our district geographic communities of Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Northampton Township, Wrightstown Township, and Upper Makefield Township.

    Students entering our school system come from varied backgrounds, circumstances, and educational experiences. English Language Development (ELD) instructional services will be provided at all schools within the school district. The goal is to facilitate the development and attainment of English proficiency and academic achievement of students whose native or first language is not English. ELD takes place daily throughout the day for ELs and is delivered by both ELD Specialists and non-ELD teachers. 

    Parents will receive notification of their child's entrance into the program. They will be informed of their child's current level of language proficiency, structure and design of the program, goals for their child's language needs, and annual proficiency scores.

     

     

     

    ELD Contacts:

     

    Nicole Crawford
    Director of Elementary Education 

    Director of Federal Programs 

    ncrawford@crsd.org

     

    Aaryn Clerk, ELD Specialist

    John Quinlisk, ELD Specialist 

    Council Rock High School North

    Council Rock High School South

    aaryn.clerk@crsd.org

    john.quinlisk@crsd.org

     

    Kathleen Bound, ELD Specialist

    Maureen M. Welch Elementary School 

    Newtown Middle School

    kbound@crsd.org

     

    Cristine Drozd, ELD Specialist

    Holland Middle School

    christine.drozd@crsd.org

     

    Emily Carns, ELD Specialist

    Churchville Elementary School

    Rolling Hills Elementary School

    emily.carns@crsd.org

     

    Krystal Eng Lieu, ELD Specialist

    Rolling Hills Elementary School

    krystal.englieu@crsd.org

     

    Carol Finnegan, ELD Specialist

    Hillcrest Elementary School

     carol.finnegan@crsd.org

     

    Shanyn Heubeck, ELD Specialist

    ELD Coordinator

    Goodnoe Elementary School

    sheubeck@crsd.org

     

    Anna Kotsyuba, ELD Specialist

    Sol Feinstone Elementary School

    Wrightstown Elementary School

    anna.kotsyuba@crsd.org

     

    Julia Leavitt, ELD Specialist

     Holland Elementary School

    Newtown Elementary School 

    jleavitt@crsd.org

     

    Maria Rounsavill, ELD Specialist

    Goodnoe Elementary School

    Richboro Elementary School

    mrounsavill@crsd.org

     

      

     

    Educating English Learners (ELS) outlines program regulations and guidance related to the education of ELs in Pennsylvania. 

    Identification and Placement of ELs

    Screening, Identification, and Placement

    At the beginning of the school year or at the time of enrollment, ELD District Staff work on screening and identifying students in need of English Language support based on the Pennsylvania State Guidelines.The specific requirements for carrying out this process for K through 12th grade students are outlined in the PDE "Screening, Identification, and Placement" document. 

    WIDA Screener

    The WIDA Screener is an English language proficiency assessment administered to students who may be designated to receive ELD services. It is administered to Grades 1-12. The test is divided into five grade clusters and each section assesses the language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The test incorporates questions in the areas of Science, Social Studies, Math, Language Arts, and Social and Instructional Language.

    Kindergarten students will be given the Kindergarten Model Placement Test (K-MODEL). 

    For more information on the WIDA Screener, please click the link here.  

    Based on the student’s score, it is then determined if the student qualifies for ELD services. ELD Staff will notify parents of the process for identifying their children as ELs, the results of that process, and the recommended program placement.

     

    Parental Right to Refuse 

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education instituted a parental right to refuse English Language Development (or “opt-out” of ELD) Program services and instruction. Although it is not advised, if a parent/guardian so chooses, he or she may refuse specialized services for English Learners (ELs). 

    A detailed description of the parent refusal policy, including all LEA obligations for students whose parents have refused services is contained in the "Parent Refusal of LIEP Programs and Services" guidance document.

     

    Reclassification, Monitoring, and Redesignation of ELs

    Once ELs attain English proficiency as defined in the Pennsylvania State reclassification procedure, they are reclassified as former ELs. The academic progress of former ELs are actively monitored for a period of two (2) years after reclassification. 

    The Council Rock School District follows the reclassification criteria as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 
    For more information, please click HERE.