A Guide for Families of ELLs

Welcome! This website serves as a guide and resource hub for parents and guardians of an English Language Learner (ELL) at Shenendehowa CSD.

What is ENL and how does it help my child?

English as a New Language (ENL) instruction helps students whose first language is not English learn to speak, understand, read, and write in English while also learning grade-level academic content. ENL programs celebrate and build on students' home languages and cultures as important strengths.

Through a combination of small-group and classroom-based instruction, ENL teachers help students develop the language skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Whether your child is new to English or already has some knowledge, ENL instruction provides the support they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Parents are important partners in this journey. Together, we help your child become confident in English while valuing their identity as a bilingual or multilingual learner.

Important Tests to Know About ...

NYSITELL

This assessment is given to students during the initial registration process to help determine a student's placement in the ENL Program and what level of English proficiency they have.

NYSESLAT

This assessment is given on an annual basis to all identified English Language Learners (ELLs). The test is administered by an ENL teacher during April and May. As per New York State regulation, this assessment is not optional and must be administered to all ELLs who are Entering through Expanding level.

ENL Performance Levels

Entering

Students at the Entering level are beginning to learn English. They have very limited or no understanding of the English language and rely heavily on visual aids and gestures to communicate. A student at the Entering level needs supports and structures to advance academic language skills.

Emerging

Students at the Emerging level can understand and use simple phrases and sentences. They can participate in basic social interactions and are beginning to develop academic language skills. A student at the Emerging level has some need for supports and structures to advance academic language skills.

Transitioning

A student at the Transitioning level can communicate in English with some fluency. They are developing more complex vocabulary and sentence structures and can engage in both social and academic conversations with moderate support. A student at the Transitioning level shows some independence in advancing academic language skills.

Expanding

A student at the Expanding level demonstrates increased fluency and accuracy in English. They can complete grade-level academic tasks with minimal support and are improving their use of more advanced language structures. A student at the Expanding level shows great independence in advancing academic language skills.

Commanding 1

A student at the Commanding level has mastered English and can fully participate in all academic subjects and everyday activities. They can express complex ideas clearly, understand academic content, and use language with confidence, though they may still receive occasional support in challenging situations.

Commanding 2

At this level, the student has achieved full fluency in English. They no longer require language support and can independently engage with both social and academic tasks at the grade level. Teachers monitor their continued success for up to two years to ensure they maintain proficiency.

Standalone ENL

In a Stand-Alone ENL class, students who are learning English receive special instruction focused entirely on developing their English language skills. This class is taught by a certified ENL teacher and helps students improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. The lessons are designed to match their level of English so they can build confidence and communicate better in everyday situations and in school.

Integrated ENL/English Language Arts Class

In an Integrated ENL/ELA class, English learners are in a classroom with both an ENL teacher and an English Language Arts teacher. Together, they help all students learn reading and writing skills, but with extra support for those still learning English. English learners get help understanding vocabulary, reading stories, writing essays, and joining class discussions. This helps them learn English while also keeping up with grade-level reading and writing lessons.

Testing Accomodations for ELLs

As a parent of an English Language Learner (ELL), it's important to know that your child has the right to certain supports during state tests. These supports are called testing accommodations, and they are meant to help your child show what they know, even if they are still learning English.

Here are the most common accommodations ELL students can receive in New York State:

1. Extended Time

Your child can have more time to take the test. This helps reduce pressure and gives them time to think and understand the questions.

2. Translated Test Directions

Your child can receive the instructions for the test in their home language, if available. This helps them understand what they are being asked to do.

3. Use of Bilingual Glossaries

Your child can use a bilingual glossary or word-to-word dictionary (no definitions, just word translations) in their home language and English. This helps with unfamiliar vocabulary.

4. Translation of Certain Tests

For some exams (not ELA), your child may be able to take a translated version of the test or have a translator read the test to them in their home language.

5. Separate Testing Location

Your child may take the test in a quieter setting with fewer students, which can help them concentrate.

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