Horizon Middle School English Language Development

  • Students in ELD focus on Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking using academic and social English in all classes. Students use "RAP" (restate, answer, prove) to help prepare them to answer questions and for research papers later on in the year in all grades. All students give oral presentations about various topics and use music to help with listening skills.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Services

  • 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. 

  • Middle school- English language learners who qualify are offered CLDE or resource support. Teachers offer this in the form of an elective class, but there are also co-teaching models and push-in support provided in the core content classrooms. Teachers monitor the progress of students in their core instruction and provide resource support when deemed necessary. In the elective CLDE class, students receive differentiated instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening depending on their specific language goals as identified in the English language plan. 

    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 Power Up to master reading and speaking skills on technology. Accounts can be accessed at home to help fill literacy gaps in students of all age groups. 

CLDE Teachers in the District