English Language Development (ELD)

The English language development (ELD) program serves beginning and intermediate level English learners (ELs) who are new to school in the United States. The goal of the program is to enable students to communicate effectively in English for academic, social, and career success.

Students take one to three ELD classes a day and are eligible to enroll in ELD classes with other EL students in social studies, math, and science. Students exit the ELD program as soon as they are able to succeed in mainstream English.

Most students exiting the program may still be classified as ELs, but their level of English fluency will be high enough to succeed in mainstream English.

Controversial Issues in America

Year course

Fulfills “G” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Course placement determined by EL and Counseling staff

From affirmative action to physician-assisted suicide, abortion to mandatory military service, this course will engage students in the study, discussion and debate of current controversial topics in the United States. In grappling with these moral questions, students will dig into the research on these issues, apply concepts of political philosophy, evaluate conflicting source material and arguments, and attempt to answer the question, "what is the right thing to do?" The units will follow the structure: present the topic, research, read and analyze sources, engage in structure writing activities, debates and discussions, and culminate in a position paper on a self-determined topic relating to the overall Unit focus.

Controversial Issues in Teen Culture

Year course

Pending “G” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Course placement determined by EL and Counseling staff

In this second Controversial Issues course for long-term English Learners, students will explore and analyze current controversial issues and teen culture. They will state a position and defend it using credible sources and concise academic language, present recommendations and proposals to address current issues facing teenagers in American Society. Students will improve their ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments in order to write, present, and persuade audiences. Students will conduct qualitative and quantitative research, and synthesize data and information. Ultimately, students will utilize the skills they've developed over the course of the year to address an important issue faced by their generation. They will edit their writing and speeches for clarity, purpose, audience, and voice, i.e., syntax variety, diction, and tone.

ELD 1 (Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12)

Year Course (SSFHS only)

Prerequisite: Enrollment date, test results, and teacher recommendation

This course is for newcomers/beginning English learners (ELs). Students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. In most cases, students in this course also take Algebra 1 (EL) or Geometry (EL), Biology (EL) or Earth Science (EL), and US History (EL) or World History (EL). MBRFC once

ELD Lab 1 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

ELD 2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course (SSFHS only)

No CSU/UC admission requirements met by this course

Prerequisite: Enrollment date, test results, and teacher recommendation

This course is for novice English learners (ELs). Students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. In most cases, students in this course also take Algebra 1 (EL) or Geometry (EL), Biology (EL) or Earth Science (EL), and US History (EL) or World History (EL). MBRFC once

ELD Lab 2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course (SSFHS only)

Prerequisite: Test and teacher recommendation

This course is taken concurrently with the grade-level EL English course. This course is offered to students whose native language is not English. Emphasizing further development of conversational skills, this course includes additional written practice in grammar, phonetics, sentence development, and short paragraphs. MBRFC once

ELD 3 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Prerequisite: Enrollment date, test results, and teacher recommendation

Fulfills “B” of UC/CSU admission requirement.

This course is for advanced English learners (ELs). Students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. This course is designed for students who have mastered or possess the skills offered in ELD 1 and ELD 2. Emphasis is placed on increasing vocabulary skills and the use of idioms, short compositions, reading, and grammar.

ELD 3 Lab (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

ELD 4 Lab (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

English 1 College Prep EL (Grade 9)

Year Course

Fulfills “B” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This class is aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 9-10. It introduces world literature, focusing on exploration of novels, short stories, drama, mythology, and non-fiction. Writing instruction includes expository essays, business and technical writing, and autobiographical/biographical essays. Grammar instruction focuses on the parts of speech and sentences, phrases, punctuation, and sentence construction. There is a specific technology focus at each high school. Summer reading is assigned for all students.

English 2 College Prep EL (Grade 10)

Year Course

Fulfills “B” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This course bridges ninth grade world literature with eleventh grade American literature in classes aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). It focuses on multicultural literature that reflects the culturally diverse population in our school community. Other novels/plays are selected by the instructor from the district reading list for tenth grade. Writing instruction focuses on expository essays, biographical narratives, character sketches, persuasive essays, and a career research report. Grammar instruction builds upon basic skills taught in ninth grade with an emphasis on subject verb agreement and effective sentence construction and variation. Summer reading is assigned for all students.

English 3 College Prep EL (Grade 11)

Year Course

Fulfills “B” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This course includes a survey of American literature in classes that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Teachers use both chronological and thematic approaches. Grammar focuses on the correct use of verbs, phrases and clauses. Writing focus areas include responses to literature, narrative writing, compare/contrast essays, and multimedia presentations. Basic research skills are reviewed. Summer reading is assigned for all students.

English 4 Expository Reading and Writing EL (Grade 12)

Year Course

Fulfills “B” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This class was developed by the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems and is designed for college-bound seniors who want to prepare for the rigors of college-level reading and writing across subject matter. The emphasis is on rhetorical reading and writing, argumentative writing, critical thinking, and author argument. Extensive writing and reading is done throughout the year with an emphasis on expository reading.