According to the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD), English Language Development (ELD) classes are designed for students whose first language is not English and whose skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing do not meet minimum English Language Arts Content standards. Placement is determined by the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) and / or the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC).

Classes are offered at Armijo, Fairfield and Rodriguez, serving different ability levels and can feature additional help in ELD Lab classes. Beginners are placed in ELD I classes where they are introduced to basic skills and language acquisition. As students progress, their lessons also advance and they are moved into ELD II classes.

More advanced students are moved into ELD III classes and Labs where they can practice their growing language skills. 

While these ELD classes are divided by ability level, ELD Transitions classes tend to be more grade specific. “This class is designed for ELL’s who are at the Early Advanced level or above and who have not met the criteria for reclassification.” It is more focused on supporting the core curriculum offered in each class and is only available for freshmen or sophomores. 

Students in ELD classes potentially have home languages from around the world but all have the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of English through writing, reading and listening in these classes as well as other core classes at school.