CELDT+1

In level 1, also known as the beginning stage of CELDT, students will typically remain in this stage for 6 months or less. While in this stage, student behavior may include remaining silent/active listening, using gestures to convey a message, using yes/no responses predominately, using 1-2 word expressions, and following oral directions when modeled.

Students performing at this level may demonstrate little or no receptive or productive English skills. At this stage students are beginning to understand a few concrete details during unmodified instruction. They may be able to respond to some communication and learning demands, but with many errors. Oral and written production is usually limited to disconnected words and memorized statements and questions, so it makes communication difficult. In terms of reading, students may have concepts about print and be able to follow picture books during this stage. It terms of writing, they may only be able to write their name during this stage.

A good way to think about working with a level 1 CELDT student is to think of a traveler who is feeling lost in another country. It may be helpful to teach students at this stage simple hand gestures that they can use to communicate, such as a sign for using the bathroom. A teacher can also communicate with a beginning student by nodding their head yes or no to convey meaning.

Key strategies for teachers working with students at this stage include framing yes/no questions, and modeling meaningful gestures to facilitate communication. An extensive use of visuals, models, and real objects to make communication meaningful is also strongly encouraged at this stage. Other good strategies for teachers to use during stage 1 may include reading to students, supplying picture books, teaching letter and word recognition, labeling pictures, providing journals for writing and drawing, not forcing student speech, asking yes/no questions, using simple speech, providing visuals and modeling gestures, showing stories on video, and modeling and illustrating writing on charts. For info on CELDT testing results in California, please visit this website: http://studata.sandi.net/programstudies/reports/CELDT2005.pdf