There is no assigned homework in ESL, but students are encouraged to read every day.  Parents are encouraged to read aloud to their children in any language.

Who is eligible for the program?

• Students whose first language is not English and are learning English at school.

• Students who speak English plus another language at home.

What criteria are used to determine if a student is eligible for the ESL program?

• Information provided on the Home Language Survey

• Results of a screening test administered by an ELL teacher, as required by the New Jersey Department of Education for children who speak another language at home more than fifty percent of the time. (As noted on the home language survey.)

• ACCESS for ELLs test scores, when available, are used as one of the screening tools, for grades 1-6.

• The classroom and ESL teachers’ observations of a student’s oral language, reading, and writing ability.

Benefits of the Program

• The ELL program gives students the opportunity to master English while keeping his/her home language 

• ELL teachers collaborate with the classroom teachers to support students in the classroom

• Students develop vocabulary, academic language, and reading comprehension in a small group setting or a supportive general classroom

• Students speak, participate, ask questions and learn how to follow directions in a low risk setting

How does the program work?

• Students receive support from a certified ELL teacher, one period per day

• Instructional support is in the content areas: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, or  Math

• Students receive differentiated instruction based on their needs and level of English language proficiency

• Small group classes are scheduled only during enrichment periods, such as WIN (What I Need)

• ELL teachers work collaboratively with content area teachers to support ELLs in the classroom

• Students do not miss special area subjects like Physical Education, Art, Music, or Library.

How long do children stay in the program?

•  The average time students at OPS stay in the program is 2 to 4 years. 

• Students exit the program when they can  successfully participate in the regular classroom  without  any, or few modifications.  Students must achieve a minimum of 4.5 on the ACCESS  language proficiency exam required by the state of New Jersey to exit. The test is administered annually, usually in  March or April.  After students exit the program, they are monitored for the next two years. If they struggle, they can re-enter the program between 6 months to two years. 

Frequently Asked Questions

“My child speaks English with her friends, but she speaks our language with the family and friends. Would ESL class really be necessary?”

• The language that many dual language speakers use every day with friends and acquaintances is called “social language”. It takes 6 months to 2 years to acquire social language ability.  However, children need “academic language”, the language of school, to succeed in the classroom. Academic language takes much longer than social language to develop. It develops over time when it is explicitly taught, practiced, and applied in the classroom.

“Is it helpful for us to speak English at home even if we are not fluent?”

• No, not necessarily. Speak your own language to your children. Research shows that children who are read to in their own language develop background knowledge, do better at school, and have less difficulty acquiring a new language. If reading is difficult for you, tell stories in your own language. 

• You can support your children’s academic language by explaining important academic concepts in your own language using specific vocabulary.

• Encourage your child to speak your language and tell you about his/her experiences.

• Talk, sing, and read with your child. Do this in your native language. You will build your child’s speaking and listening skills.

• Doing activities with your child is as important as reading and doing homework. Take your child to parks, museums, libraries, the city, the beach, or the zoo. They need these experiences to understand what they read and have things to write about.

• Ask your child to explain what he/she is learning. Make sure school assignments are completed. 

• If you don’t speak English, do not worry. It is more important for your thoughts and concerns to be vocalized then the language it is spoken in. The school can find someone who can interpret for you or you can bring a friend or relative to help translate.

• Get involved in the school community. You can request any school information to be sent to you in your native language. Join and attend the PTA meetings. We have several mentors to help ELL families new to the district to transition into OPS and with communication. 

• Once your child begins school, use the progress report rubrics as a guide to help your child practice skills at home.

• Being able to speak more than one language is a gift - nurture the development of your native language and English in your children.