English as a New Language (ENL)

Translation / Interpretation

Grading ELLs

Resources for ELL Families

Click HERE for Teacher Resources

ENL 101:

What every educator should know

English Language Learners (ELLs) are developing academic skills while simultaneously acquiring a new language—and both processes take time. Language learning is not a sign of limited ability; it’s an additive strength that reflects cognitive flexibility and resilience. All teachers, not just ENL specialists, share responsibility for language development by making content comprehensible through visuals, modeling, sentence frames, and opportunities for structured talk. ELLs need explicit language instruction within their content areas and culturally responsive classrooms that value their identities, home languages, and experiences as assets. When educators create welcoming environments, set high expectations, and scaffold meaning rather than simplify rigor, ELLs can fully access—and enrich—the learning community.

What do all those acronyms mean? (Click on the arrow for more!)

ENL - English as a New Language (formerly known as ESL)

ELL - English Language Learner

MLL - Multilingual Learner

TESOL - Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (certification for ENL teachers)

Stand-Alone ENL - one of two methods by which ENL services are delivered to New York State ELLs. An ENL teacher supports English language development for Entering- and Emerging-level ELLs.

Integrated ENL - one of two methods by which ENL services are delivered to New York State ELLs. An ENL teacher and an English teacher deliver the same curriculum as typical English courses, but with ENL methodology, to all ELLs (Entering through Commanding levels).

NYSITELL - New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners. Administered upon a student's enrollment at Shen, this assessment determines the English proficiency level of a potential ELL. The results of this test are used to determine required services for a brand-new student who may be an ELL.

NYSESLAT - New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test. Administered each year in the spring, this assessment determines the English proficiency level of a current ELL. The results of this test are used to determine required services in the subsequent year for a current ELL.

NYSSB - New York State Seal of Biliteracy. A diploma designation which recognizes students who are literate in more that one language. For more information, click here.

SIFE - Student with Inconsistent/Interrupted Formal Education. English Language Learners (ELLs) who have attended schools in the United States for less than twelve months and who, upon initial enrollment in such schools, are two or more years below grade level in literacy in their home language and/or two or more years below grade level in Math due to inconsistent or interrupted schooling prior to arrival in the United States.