ENL stands for English as a New Language and is a program intended to help students who are learning English develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
There are five NYS English Proficiency levels that are as follows:
Entering (Beginning/ Level 1)- student has no/limited English proficiency skills.
Emerging (Low Intermediate/ Level 2)- student is beginning to develop a limited vocabulary that is rapidly improving, student has difficulty with reading and writing.
Developing (Intermediate/ Level 3)- student has rapidly improving vocabulary skills, student has difficulty with reading and writing.
Expanding (Advanced/ Level 4)- student participates in classroom and social activities, student has improved reading and writing skills.
Commanding (Proficient/ Level 5)- student has met the linguistic demands necessary to demonstrate English language proficiency in a variety of academic contexts.
There are two main methods of delivering instruction:
Integrated ENL Services: Takes place in the ELA classroom serving ELLs through co-taught or dual-certified instruction.
Stand-Alone ENL Services: Small group instruction that takes place within the ENL classroom.
Resources to learn more about ENL:
WIDA- New testing/ENL program as of 2026-2027 school year
Colorín Colorado- Bilingual resource for ELL families
New York State Education Department (NYSED)- New York State official website