The mission of the English Language Development (ELD) Program is to provide meaningful supplementary instruction in English, both social and academic, in a safe and stimulating environment in order for non- or limited-English speaking students to become successful learners in an English mainstream classroom in a timely manner. Only 7 percent (7%) of the students in Woodside School come from families who speak a language other than English. While a variety of different languages are spoken, Spanish is predominant. The English Language Development Program is essential for these English learners (ELs).
The ELD specialists provide instruction in addition to that provided by the regular classroom teachers. Specialists work with studentsin a small-group setting, enabling the students to comfortably take risks in their spoken English that otherwise may not take place in the mainstream classroom.Instruction is given in a clear manner with repetition when necessary. Learning takes place through reinforcement of CORE curricula, literature,games, and other hands-on activities so that real world connections can be made.These techniques are also used to preview classroom material, which helps tobuild confidence in the mainstream setting. Specific support for vocabulary and concept development in the subject matter content areas is also provided. The children are actively engaged in learning listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English. The ELD teachers work collaboratively with classroom instructors,other specialists and administrators to ensure that our program is meeting the needs of our students and teachers, as well as state requirements.
Our Spanish-speaking families are active in the Woodside School Community. We have a PTA subgroup of Spanish-speakers call Grupo Union. Meetings are held regularly, in Spanish. For more information, please contact Dr. Beth Polito, Superintendent/Principal, at bpolito@woodsideschool.us or at (650) 851-1571 x 297.
