Colorado English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards

English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards are required by Colorado state and federal law.  On December 10, 2009, the Colorado State Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the English Language Development (ELD) standards developed by WIDA as the Colorado English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards. Grounded in scientific research on best educational practices in general, English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education, WIDA created and adopted its comprehensive ELP standards which address both social and academic English. This site is designed to provide a hub of information regarding the CELP standards, as well as to provide educators with resources to facilitate teaching the CELP standards to support the academic achievement of all Colorado students through teaching academic language. The CELP standards are an essential guide for all educators to help English Learners (ELs) access grade level academic content while learning English. 

WIDA

The WIDA ELD Standards and resources are owned by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System on behalf of the WIDA Consortium.  As a member of the consortium, Colorado educators may access the WIDA ELD standards and resources for noncommercial use.  Fair use of the WIDA ELD Standards includes reproduction for the purpose of teaching (including multiple copies for lesson planning).  The WIDA ELD Standards are protected by United States copyright laws and may not be reproduced, modified, or distributed without prior written permission.  Do not alter or remove any trademark or copyright notice. For more information, visit the WIDA website.

Standards Review and Revision

The CELP Standards were included in Colorado’s Academic Standards review and revision process which concluded July 1, 2018.  As a result of this process, a voluntary committee designed the following resource library section of the CELP Standards website to provide Colorado educators with resources in an easily accessible and user-friendly format.  

Thank you to the CELP Standards Committee:

Committee Members

Chair:

• Holly Porter, Director of Language Supports and Services, Cherry Creek Schools

CDE Content Specialist:

• Lulu Buck, ELD Specialist and World Language Content Specialist

Committee Members:

• Carrie Dewaters, Student Services Coordinator, Englewood Schools
• Manissa D Featherstone, English Language Learner Coordinator, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
• Megan Fiore, English Language Learner Secondary Coordinator, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
• Christina Mendoza, ESL teacher 9-12, Weld County School District Re-8
• Elizabeth Skelton, Consultant
• Cynthia Valdez, ESL Content Facilitator / Coach, Mesa County Valley School District 51
• Angela Valdez, Assistant Principal, Harrison School District 2

Access the CELP Standards Resource Library