The Arizona Department of Education’s language framework is build on the Language Development Approach (LDA) which follows 4 principles:
- Principle 1 – Asset-Based Behaviors and Expectations – TUSD teachers will emphasize the linguistic resources and cultural knowledge our English learners brings with them to the school environment.
- Principle 2 – Integrated Instruction in Disciplinary Language and Content – TUSD teachers will design content instruction that integrates language and literacy development driven by AZ content area standards in tandem with AZ English Language Proficiency standards. This must occur in an integrated setting with mainstream students.
- Principle 3 – Targeted and Explicit Language Instruction – TUSD teachers will design explicit targeted language instruction driven by new 2019 AZ English Language Proficiency standards that provides students with an understanding of how language functions within different content areas. English Learners must be separate from mainstream students during this time.
- Principle 4 – Assessment, Monitoring, and Feedback – TUSD teachers will use the 2019 AZ English Language Proficiency standards, district English Language Development assessment practices, and summative assessments to measure the progress of English learners’ language and content knowledge.
English Language Development/Structured English Immersion programs are available for grades K-12 at all schools.
Students whose home language is not English, will take the
Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA) test upon entering school to determine their English language proficiency in Reading, Writing and Speaking. Their results inform the school and teacher in differentiating instruction to best meet the language needs of the student. Each spring, all English Language Learners will take the AZELLA reassessment to measure their language progress and they will continue reassessing each year until their skills have reached proficiency.
Elementary and Secondary Curriculum Resources
Elementary Curriculum Resources
National Geographic Cengage Reach is TUSD’s English Language Development curriculum for grades K-5. This program engages students with multicultural, rich literature through National Geographic’s treasure chest of media, which increases content knowledge and helps connect and apply learning to today’s world. This program includes an online feature and allows students to access the textbook content and activities at school and home.
Imagine Learning Language & Literacy is a personalized online learning program for grades K-5 that aligns with Arizona’s English Language Standards and supports the English Language Development curriculum. Regular use of this program can help improve literacy skills and English Language Development. It is available at 69 of the district's 75 elementary and K-8 schools.
Secondary Curriculum Resources
TUSD currently uses HEINLE Cengage Learning Visions in grades 6-12 and National Geographic Cengage Edge in grades 9-12. A new textbook for the secondary English Language Development curriculum will be selected for use beginning school year 2023-24.
Rosetta Stone is the software for grades 6-12 English Language Learner newcomers. This online program personalizes English learning for students who have newly arrived. It is used as a supplement to the English Language Development curriculum.
Makula Kaba from
Catalina High School and
Francisco Valencia from
Palo Verde High School were both recognized as key success stories at the Office of English Language Acquisition Services conference on December 9, 2022. Hundreds of students were submitted from across Arizona and only four were selected based off of their successes, roles in community engagement, academic achievements and other outstanding qualities.
"This means a lot for me, I’m very happy and grateful for everyone and my school, my teacher, my family. I’m very happy.” - Francisco Valencia (Palo Verde High School)
Read more about Francisco
"No words can qualify how I feel right now…it means somebody has finally noticed what you’ve been doing, so I feel really proud of myself and I’m really thankful for my teacher that helps me.” - Makula Kaba (Catalina High School)
Read more about Makula