Module 3.1: Introduction

Welcome to Module 3: A Deeper Dive into the OPTEL. 

Using the OPTEL draws from diverse areas of professional expertise. These include knowledge of evidence-based practices to support multilingual learners, skill in designing CA ELD standards-aligned instruction, and observation of the expressive and receptive skills of all students classified as English learners, including those with disabilities. This module dives deeply into these key and other key areas.  

The materials in this module draw from foundational resources like the CA ELD Standards (CDE, 2014), the ELA/ELD Framework (2014), and Improving Education for Multilingual and English Learner Students: Research to Practice (CDE, 2020). Users will read vignettes from the ELA/ELD Framework, analyze videos from the CDE’s K-12 Integrated and Designated Video Series, and engage with other key resources for supporting California’s diverse EL student population.  

This module has three topics: 

• 3.1: Unpacking Extent Terms (Substantial, Moderate, Light, and Minimal). A deep dive into terms in the OPTEL performance levels and performance level descriptors related to the extent of support.  

• 3.2: Unpacking Frequency Terms (Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Consistently). A deep dive into terms in the OPTEL performance levels and performance level descriptors related to frequency. 

• 3.3: Unpacking Terms in Receptive and Expressive Skills. A deep dive into key terms in the OPTEL, including construct meaning, grade-level complex texts, a level of parity with English proficient grade-level peers, and expresses grade-level ideas effectively.