The California English Language Development Test (CELDT) scores for the State’s English learners were released this week showing gains among English learners in the Berkeley Unified School District, with an increasing percentage becoming proficient in English.
“Increased English fluency for our English learners translates into great achievement for these students in all academic subjects,” explained Neil Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services.
Between 2006–07 and 2011–12, the percentage of English learners scoring at the early advanced or advanced performance levels increased 11 percentage points (see Table 1.1) while the percentage of students in the beginning and early intermediate CELDT levels dropped.
The CELDT results showing more students progressing in English fluency levels is not a surprise to the District’s English Language Development Teacher Coordinator Heather Tugwell who notes that, “Just last night we celebrated the 192 of our elementary and secondary students who are now proficient in English, almost triple the numbers we recognized last year.” In addition, this year 79 high school seniors received the High School Seal of Biliteracy in recognition of their hard work and success in achieving bilingualism.
All schools have been working to support the District’s 2010-13 Three Year Plan to close the achievement gap by ensuring dedicated time and resources are directed at explicit instruction in English Language Development and Academic English in content areas.
CELDT Press Release 2011-2012 including data chart
BHS Students Receive High School Seal of Biliteracy at the May 31st Ceremony
More photos are available: http://www.flickr.com/photos/53901376@N04/sets/72157629994070042/
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