The ESL and ELD curriculum expectations are designed to help English language learners develop the skills they need to develop proficiency in everyday English as well as proficiency in academic English, allowing them to integrate successfully into the mainstream school program.

ESL courses are designed for English language learners who have had opportunities to develop language and literacy skills in their own language appropriate to their age or grade level.

ELD courses are designed for English language learners with limited prior schooling who have not had opportunities to develop age-appropriate literacy skills in any language. These courses provide an accelerated program of literacy development for these students.