The MCSD community takes pride in the cultural and linguistic diversity present in our schools. We recognize the unique perspectives, varied experiences and great potential for success that our ELs bring to the school environment. We also embrace the inherent challenges in teaching learners with developing language needs.
In the Spring of 2015, Montrose County School District invited the Colorado Department of Education to complete a thorough review of the district’s English language development program. The foundation used for the review was Castaneda v. Pickard (1981), the landmark court case that established a three-pronged approach to determine ELD program compliance with the Office for Civil Rights laws and Department of Justice court orders. CDE added a fourth prong that focuses efforts around the effective communication and collaboration necessary for organizational effectiveness. The four prongs, as outlined by CDE, follow:
- Theory: Educationally sound and research-based
- Practice: Effective implementation-transforming theory into practice with fidelity-with adequate resources and personnel
- Results: Analysis of information, program evaluation, modification, and plan for improvement
- Communication and Collaboration: Efforts resulting in common goals
MCSD embraced the guidance provided by the review and set forth a plan for a five year journey of improvement. Beginning in the fall of 2015, district personnel, teachers, staff, families, students and community members pulled together to develop a strong English language development program that supports our English learners. Visit Colorado Department of Education's Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
here.