ELD Program

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At Chiang Rai International School (CRIS), we recognize the importance of developing strong English and reading skills. Regular assessments help us ensure that every student meets academic standards and personal growth goals. For those who need additional support, our English Language Development (ELD) program provides individualized instruction to help students succeed in an English-medium environment.

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Assessment and Placement

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Incoming students are assessed to determine their English proficiency level:

 

Kindergarten and Grade 1: Students complete an academic inventory administered by our admissions team, who may recommend further ELD testing if necessary.

 

Grades 2–10: Students take the MAP Screener in Reading and Language. Those scoring below the 40th percentile may be asked to complete a WIDA Screener and meet with the ELD Coordinator.

 

Grade 9: Additional testing by the ELD Coordinator is required for admission if scores fall below the 40th percentile.

 

Grade 10: Admission is considered only under exceptional circumstances, as intensive ELD support is limited at this level due to the high school course load.

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ELD Support by Proficiency Level

Levels 1–2: Intensive Support

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Grades 1–5: Students receive in-class or pull-out ELD services for 1–2 periods per day (up to 10 per week). Support includes both classroom push-in assistance and targeted instruction in English or reading.

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Grades 6–8: Students receive 2–3 periods per day (up to 15 per week) of ELD support, either in push-in or pull-out settings. Instruction follows the mainstream curriculum, with additional materials and language-focused support.

 

Students are generally expected to exit the program by the end of Grade 8, though light support may continue in Grade 9 during study hall or ECA time.

 

Assessment: Students are reassessed twice a year using the WIDA MODEL and reading diagnostics.

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Program Fees:

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Grades 1–5: 20,000 THB per semester

 

Grades 6–8: 25,000–30,000 THB per semester, depending on the number of pull-out classes

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Level 3: Transitional Support

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Students in Grades 3–8 who score at Level 3 may receive limited push-in support in subjects such as English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. An ELD teacher or teaching assistant provides this assistance at no additional cost.

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Levels 4–5: Mainstream Instruction

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Students performing at Levels 4–5 participate fully in mainstream classes. To ensure continued progress, CRIS provides ongoing professional development for teachers on ELD best practices—such as lesson differentiation, academic vocabulary building, and oral language development—during scheduled PD days throughout the school year.