Launch Exceptional Learner Services: English Language Development Services

When it comes to Launch’s English Language Development (ELD) services, adaptability is the name of the game. “When we started offering this programming last fall, we promoted ELD courses for elementary students and secondary students,” says Launch English Language Development Specialist Jan McClellan. “But once we started talking to districts, we learned that there were a variety of needs that expanded beyond our traditional course offerings.”

At that point, McClellan started exploring the ways the program may be able to better serve Launch’s partner districts. In addition to teaching traditional elementary and secondary ELD courses, Launch added an ELD course for newcomers. Jan also began meeting with districts upon request to discuss their non-traditional needs. The result? Several working relationships that support the ELD needs of multiple districts statewide.

One example is Momentum Academy, a St. Louis Public Charter School. “They came to us with a need to serve some of their long-term and higher proficiency ELD students,” Jan says. “We work with 18 of their students. They’re enrolled in a course with me, but it’s also instructed by their EL teacher. We meet live twice a week.”

Jan also provides a Newcomer ELD course to a student in the Marshfield school district, and she works with another district that utilizes Launch curriculum for ELD services. But it doesn’t stop there. “I work with Dr. Roe and the course development team to make additional content is ELD accessible in core subject areas,” Jan says. “For example, Fort Zumwalt is utilizing our Algebra 1A class for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). I’m able to help modify the content so these students can understand.”

If your district has ELD students who need to be enrolled in Launch English Language Development courses, you’ll find the option to enroll in elementary or secondary versions in Launchpad. And if you have additional needs, just ask. “One of my favorite things about this new programming is that we’ve been able to adapt it to work in multiple ways,” Jan says. “I’m excited about what we’re doing, and how we’re making Launch’s quality learning more accessible for ELD students.”

The Online ELD Experience

Sixth Grade Momentum Academy student Camila Coronel-Rivera enjoys listening and learning in her Launch English Language Development (ELD) class.

Camila Coronel-Rivera attends Momentum Academy, a St. Louis public charter school, for the majority of her classes. In addition, she takes an ELD class with both Mr. Pullen from Momentum Academy and Mrs. McClellan from Launch.

After Momentum Academy partnered with Launch to better serve its English Language Development students, Camila was one of the first students to be enrolled. “My mother and father grew up in Mexico,” says 12-year-old Camila. “I have two brothers and two sisters, but I am the oldest.”

Camila shares why she enjoys taking an ELD online with Launch. “I like the reading and listening activities we do,” Camila says. “It’s helping me to learn to read better.” In addition, she also enjoys sharing fictional stories—both aloud and on paper. “For our next assignment Mrs. McClellan is going to have us write our own stories,” Camila says. “I will write about a wolf in a pack, and a bear coming into a cave. The wolf follows. He is trying to get rid of the bears and take them out of the cave with him.”

And just as Camila enjoys learning from Mrs. McClellan, Mrs. McClellan enjoys having Camila in class. “She advocates for herself and does a great job of asking questions and participating,” Mrs. McClellan says. “Camila is a super sweet student who is eager to learn.”