Overview 

Our ENL program spans K-12 and every English Language Learner is involved in this program. This program serves students from many different home/primary language backgrounds and who are all learning English. The goal is to support students as they progress to English proficiency. 

Instruction in this program, formerly known as English as a Second Language (ESL), emphasizes English language acquisition. In an ENL program, language arts and content-area instruction are taught in English using specific ENL instructional strategies. Some content area classes are integrated 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 supports 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. 

We also have an additional program at the high school for Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE). The Bridges to Academic Success program provides a curriculum for newcomer students who enter US schools with limited academic skills, including low levels of literacy. Currently, we offer the entire Bridges program in ELA, ENL, HLA, and Math. 

Identification 

When students are enrolled in a district, families complete a Home Language Questionnaire. This document indicates if a language other than English is spoken at home. This information is given to our ENL and Bilingual teachers to interpret, and then they evaluate students for the program. Once a student is evaluated, they are placed in the program and given the appropriate amount of service needed for the level of English language acquisition demonstrated in the evaluation. The levels are as follows: 

New Families

Part of the English Language Learner (ELL) identification process involves informing parents about the different program types offered in our district. Please watch the Parent Orientation Video below which is available in English and Spanish. After, please scroll down to the Parent Orientation Form, sign it, and return it to the ENL teacher in your student's building. Please reach out to your ENL teacher or the ENL specialist with any additional questions. We are excited for you to join us! 

Exit Criteria

In order to exit the program, students must take and pass the NYSESLAT exam. This exam is given every spring and measures the amount of English language acquisition that has taken place over the course of the school year. Once a student scores Commanding on this test, they exit the program. However, they are still entitled to 2 years of transitional support.