What is ENL?

English as a New Language (ENL)

English as a New Language (ENL), formerly known as English as a Second Language (ESL), is a specialized instructional program for students whose first language is not English. In an ENL program, trained and certified teachers use methods, techniques and materials designed to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs).

Screening and Assessments

ELL Identification Process and Eligibility

According to the NY State Department of Education, the English Language Learner (ELL) Screening, Identification, Placement, Review, and Exit Criteria flow chart and the accompanying ELL ID Chart Guidance are designed to ensure that school districts uniformly and consistently implement an identification process to determine if a student is an English Language Learner when the student initially enrolls in or reenters a New York State (NYS) public school.

The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) is the assessment used by all districts in New York State to determine a student’s level of English proficiency and determine eligibility for ENL services. There are five levels of English proficiency: Entering (Beginning), Emerging (Low Intermediate), Transitioning (High Intermediate), Expanding (Advanced) Commanding (Proficient).

Students testing at Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, and Expanding Levels will receive ENL supports and services, including New York State testing accommodations.

All ELLs in New York State are assessed annually to determine continued eligibility for ENL. Each year in May, ELLs take the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT). The NYSESLAT score determines the student’s level of English proficiency and level of service for the following school year. When a student achieves the level of “Commanding,” they will receive ENL monitoring and supports (including testing accommodations) for two more years before exiting the ENL program.

Curriculum and Program Requirements

Our ENL curriculum is guided by the New York State New Language Arts Progressions. Our ENL program follows the New York State regulations and consists of two types of instructional ENL time: Stand-Alone and Integrated. Stand-Alone ENL is an ENL class for Entering, Emerging, and Transitioning ELLs. The students receive instruction in order to acquire English language needed for success in the core content classes. Stand-Alone ENL is typically held in the ENL classroom with the ENL teacher and ELL students. Integrated ENL is for ELLs of all levels of English proficiency (Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding and Commanding). Integrated ENL is provided in the ELL students’ grade-level classrooms. The ENL teacher and classroom teacher co-teach during ELA or a content area class. The ENL teacher will work closely with the classroom teachers to provide language support during classroom instruction. We have ENL programs at Nassau Elementary, Hagan Elementary, Orville A. Todd Middle School, and Spackenkill High School. Please contact one of our ELL teachers if you have specific questions about our program.

For more information on these requirements please visit The New York State Department of Education at http://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/integrated-english-new-language-enl-resources.