English as a New Language
Director of World Languages, ENL and Bilingual Education
Jill Schilling
Secretary: Alicia Cacace
Department Phone: 631-867-3085
English as a New Language (ENL)
ENL is a state and federally mandated program that seeks to provide intensive English skills to non-English speaking students using ENL methodologies and techniques. The students in this program are held to the same high standards as their English-speaking counterparts, thus, the teachers incorporate all of the language arts modalities of listening, speaking, reading and writing. These classes not only teach English Language Arts, but also teach English through the content area. The program consists of stand-alone and co-taught English classes, based on the student’s level of English language proficiency.
The process of learning a new language is very similar to that of learning a first language. Studies have shown that the process of learning a new language, both for social and academic skills, takes anywhere between 7 to 10 years.
Instruction in this program emphasizes English language acquisition. In an ENL program, language arts and content-area instruction (K-6) are taught in English using specific ENL instructional strategies. Some content area classes such as English are Integrated ENL classes. Students receive core content area and English language development instruction, including the use of the home/primary language as support and appropriate ELL instructional support to enrich comprehension. Integrated ENL classes are taught by a teacher dually certified in the content area and ENL or are co-taught by a certified content area teacher and a certified ENL teacher.
In a Stand-alone ENL class, students receive English language development instruction taught by a NYS-certified teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in order to acquire the English language needed for success in core content areas. This program typically serves ELL students from many different home/primary-language backgrounds whose only common language is English and therefore cannot participate in a bilingual program.
The district utilizes progress monitoring diagnostic tools and formative assessment practices in order to measure ELLs/MLLs' content knowledge as well as new and home language development to inform instruction. Employing authentic assessments that require sophisticated uses of language enables teachers to understand where ELLs/MLLs are along the continuum of language development and how to provide appropriate scaffolds for them according to their proficiency level.
English Language Learner (ELL) Identification and Placement
At enrollment when a child’s home or primary language is other than English, an ENL educator interviews them to determine the possible need for additional English language support. The information gathered during the interview indicates whether the child might qualify for ENL services and be identified as a possible ELL. To confirm eligibility for additional English language support, students are given the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL). The purpose of the NYSITELL is to assess the English language level of new students whose home or primary language is other than English. The score on the NYSITELL (Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, or Commanding) will determine if they are entitled to receive ELL services and will determine the level of English language support. The results will also help teachers plan the best program based on their strengths and needs in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
The school will mail a parent notification letter that will indicate the level and any additional actions that you need to take. If your child is identified as an ELL, you will be asked to attend an orientation session at which time you will learn about ELL programs that are available for your child. Once your child is identified as an ELL, he or she is entitled to: Bilingual Education (Transitional or Dual Language) if available in that grade level and/or English as a New Language (ENL) services.
Your child’s proficiency level, on either the NYSITELL or the NYSESLAT will determine the minutes of ENL services (class time) that he or she will receive each week.
All current and former ELLs (up to 2 years after testing proficient on the NYSESLAT) can receive ELL testing accommodations on NYS assessments.