When teaching ELLs (English Language Learners), the curriculum always includes four modalities: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. All ELLs are tested on these every year in April and May through the NYSESLAT (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test). The results are received in late July or August.

My classes are split according to grade and learning level. All Entering (beginners) and Emerging (low intermediate) students are placed in Block 1 and are seen every day; this includes grades 9-12.

Transitioning (medium to high intermediates) are seen in Block 3, split according to grade: 9-10 and 11-12.

Expanding (advanced) students are seen Block 7, again split according to grade: 9-10 and 11-12.

Once a student "tests out" of ENL by moving to the Commanding (proficient) level, they no longer see me in class. Their status is now as a "consult", where I will monitor their progress for the next two years. During that time, the ELL will still receive accommodations on tests, assignments, projects, etc., which includes extra time and the use of a word-to-word dictionary during the school year as well as on Regents and final exams.