Students work with a highly qualified CLDE teacher through various models. Schools accelerate the acquisition of academic language by providing a comprehensive support system, where they receive specialized, comprehensive English language instruction captured in the student's annual English Language Plan. The acquisition of English requires a collaborative effort between teachers, paraeducators, and the general education teachers, as well as professional development for all staff on how to deliver rigorous, grade-level content and provide language-rich, instruction for all students. 

Elementary school English language learners typically receive intensive English language development daily. Many CLDE teachers provide this service utilizing a “pull-out” model. This means the students are pulled out of the general education setting for this intensive English instruction. Pull-out never occurs during core instruction, and many teachers utilize supplementary curriculum supports to address the skills and content students are learning in their core instruction.

Some teachers and paraeducators offer a "push-in" and co-teaching model to facilitate English language acquisition within the general education classroom. By providing accommodations within the students' general education setting, students learn along with their peers and have access to the curriculum. 

The following skills are emphasized: social communication, academic vocabulary, grammar, reading strategies, writing skills, as well as the use of technology to better access curriculum.  Teachers have access to the Colorado Department of Education approved intervention programs Imagine Learning and Lexia to master reading and speaking skills on technology. Accounts can be accessed at home to help fill literacy gaps in students.