National and State Standards

 
PA English Language Proficiency Standards
The PA English Language Proficiency Standards meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 by providing a framework for standards-based instructional and assessment planning for English language learners. The Classroom/Formative framework is designed to be used with planning instruction and curriculum and extends itself to be used as a tool for classroom performance-based assessment as well. Though the framework was adopted, and the standards remained the same, the performance indicators for the PA ELPS were based on Pennsylvania’s criteria for its English Language Learners, as well as Pennsylvania’s content standards in the Core Curriculum content areas and PA Assessment Anchors for Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. (2007 Pennsylvania English language proficiency standards, pps. 2-3)
These standards "represent the social, institutional, and academic language" students need to become successful in school. These standards include:  social and instructional language, and the language of language arts, math, science, and social studies. (2014 The WIDA Standards Framework and its theoretical foundations, p. 1) 
 
webinar for Amplification of WIDA ELD Standards
 
The ELL Overlay is designed to help instructors create meaningful instruction based on the English language proficiency of students. To view a Curriculum Framework ELL Overlay, select a grade level and subject area and then click the title of the English Language Learner Overlay document below you wish to view.
 
The Proficiency Standards Framework presents five language proficiency standards. They include both social and academic uses of the language students must acquire for success in and beyond the classroom. The English language proficiency standards are as follows:
 
  • Standard 1: English language learners communicate for social, intercultural, and instructional purposes within the school setting.
  • Standard 2: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of language arts.
  • Standard 3: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of mathematics.
  • Standard 4: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of science.
  • Standard 5: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of social studies.