English Language learners Parent Workshop Presented by Nicole Rini, PC

What is an English Language Learner? An ELL is a student whose NATIVE language is NOT English, and needs support learning English

How does a school determine if my child is an English Language Learner (ELL)?  All parents or guardians of newly enrolled students are required to complete a Home Language Identification Survey (HLIS). This survey lets school staff know what language you use in your home. If the survey indicates that your child uses a language other than English, he or she may be given the NYS Identification Test for ELLs. Performance on this test determines your child’s entitlement to English language development support programs and services.

 Who will notify me of my child’s eligibility for English language development services?  Schools are responsible for identifying, notifying, and placing students in ELL instructional programs.

 Once I am notified of my child’s entitlement status, how can I get more information about ELL programs and services?  Schools are required to hold orientations for parents or guardians of newly enrolled ELLs to inform them of the different ELL programs that are available. In orientations, you have the opportunity to receive materials about ELL programs in your home language, and to ask questions about ELL services (with assistance from a translator, if necessary). At the end of each orientation, school staff collect the Parent Survey and Program Selection Form, which indicates the program that you are requesting for your child. 

What ELL programs are available for my child? NYC Department of Education offers 3 programs to ELLs: Dual Language: students are taught in 2 languages, English and their home language equally, with the goal of literacy in both languages. Transitional Bilingual Education: taught in 2 languages and as English improves, time spent learning English increases and time spent learning in the home language decreases. Once your child is no longer identified as an ELL, he or she will exit the program. English as a New Language (formerly ESL): taught in English with support in the home language so students learn to read, write and speak English.

When can my child exit from ELL programs and transition to monolingual English classes? When your child scores at a certain level of proficiency in English on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT), he or she can enter a monolingual instructional program. (It is recommended that Dual Language students remain in the program for the length of their tenure.) If your child transitions to all- English monolingual classes after becoming proficient in English, he or she can receive bilingual or ESL support, as needed.

What are the benefits to these programs? Benefits include: Students being able to use their home language to learn English Students learn to appreciate different cultures Students who speak 2 or more languages are valuable to future employers and have an easier time finding a job

Can I choose which program to enroll my child in? Parents have the right to choose the program they feel is best for their child. Once selected, the student must be placed in the program within 10 days of enrollment.

What if the school does not offer the program I want? You have 2 options: You may keep your child enrolled at the school but in a different ELL program that the school offers. Your child will be placed immediately. You may TRANSFER to a school that offers the program you are interested in. Your school will help arrange the transfer and in the meantime, your child will be temporarily placed in the ELL program at the current school until the transfer is complete.

How will I know how well my child is performing in a program? You will must attend Parent Teacher Conferences when scheduled throughout the year. You will attend annual ELL parent meetings. Each Spring, your child will take the NYSESLAT. The results will show strengths and weaknesses and be used to identify if your child will continue as an ELL in the next school year.

Helping your ell student succeed in school Meet your child’s teachers and exchange contact information (especially email) Ask for interpretation if needed for conferences and letters sent home. Keep in regular contact with teachers and school about your child’s progress. Apply for special services if you think your child needs it (accomodations) Make sure homework and studying is always done (and find help if needed) Attend/volunteer at school events and meetings, and visit the school website to keep up to date Ask questions, know your rights and voice your concerns as your child’s most important ADVOCATE!

Support learning at home Keep a positive attitude about school so that your child will build confidence as a learner. Monitor SCREEN TIME (TV, video games, Internet) Encourage reading and use of the library Help your child become responsible and work independently by having clear rules for home and school Promote active learning (sports activities, time with friends, music, visits to places of interest)