English Language Development

ELD/ESL Department

English Language Development

1 in 2 students in HBGSD speak another language other than English in their home

1 in 4 are classified as a Multilingual

30% of students in HBGSD are Multilingual (English Learners)

English learners represent 56 countries including Puerto Rico

771 immigrants - in the US less than 3 years

133 students with Refugee status

29 different languages are spoken in HBGSD 

English Language Development Program Description

The Harrisburg School District shall provide an appropriate planned instructional program for identified students whose dominant language is not English. The ELD Program aims to provide Multilinguals (MLs)  with instructional support that will enable them to fully participate in their educational experience in our schools and their social lives in our community. The objectives of the ESL program are to develop both basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS) and cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP), as described in the Basic Education Circulars for MLs. The ELD program will assist students in developing proficiency in the language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, to develop competence in intercultural interactions, and encourage participation in the full range of instructional activities in the regular education curriculum and extracurricular activities in our schools.

POLICY 138 - Limited English Proficiency Program

Mission: 

The mission of the English Language Development Program in the Harrisburg School District is to provide instruction and support in English language development to foster the linguistic, academic development, personal, and social growth of multilinguals. 

Vision:

The English Language Development Program in the Harrisburg School provides equitable access for Multilinguals to receive meaningful, comprehensible instruction in all content areas. 

English Language Development Program Goals

Harrisburg School District ELD program’s goal is to provide Multilingual Learners (MLs) with instructional support that will enable them to fully participate in their educational experience in our schools and their social lives in our community.

Identification and Placement

The Harrisburg School District English Language Development Department uses the following process and resources to identify and place multilinguals (MLs) in the Harrisburg School District’s LIEP. Upon registration, parents/guardians of students must complete the Home Language Survey (HLS) (Appendix A). This survey is included in the registration packet for all students.

Community Partners

• Central Susquehanna intermediate Unit (CSIU) - Migrant Education
• Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg
• Latino Hispanic American community
• Jewish Family Services of Greater Harrisburg, Inc.
• Food and Clothing Banks
• Messiah University - Agape Center
• PAIRWN - Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women's Network