The Ontario Ministry of Education outlines clear curriculum expectations for English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) courses. These courses span five levels of increasing proficiency (AO-EO) and focus on four key areas:

1. Listening and Speaking

2. Reading

3. Writing

4. Socio-Cultural Competence and Media Literacy

Student placement in ESL and/or ELD courses is determined by their assessed English language proficiency (using the STEP continuum) and their prior schooling. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the language skills needed to transition successfully into mainstream English courses alongside their peers.