ESL English as a Second Language Virginia Road Elementary School Prepared by: Laura Kulers Mrs. Ada Jimenez-Parker, Principal Dr. Diane Ramos-Kelly, Superintendent Valhalla Union Free School District

What is ESL? English as a Second Language Learning and using English via authentic literature and hands-on/real materials Small group instruction Pull out program

Why was my child selected? New York State guidelines require that first time registrants complete a Home Language Questionnaire

Students who speak a language other than English at home are assessed with a standardized English test, the LAB-R

LAB-R Language Assessment Battery-Revised In New York State the LAB-R is administered to determine if students are eligible for ESL services Assesses listening, speaking, reading and writing skills Students scoring below a set score receive ESL services

Cognitive Academic Language Higher level English language skills needed to be successful in school “Playground” language (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) may misrepresent the child’s level of language proficiency Learning and speaking the English language in and for school is more difficult and challenging

How long will my child be in ESL? Language acquisition is very personal and is influenced by many factors and varies from student to student Once the student demonstrates proficiency on the NYSESLAT, the student will no longer participate in the ESL program

What is NYSESLAT? NYSESLAT is New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test All ESL students in New York State are given this exam to assess their progress The test holistically assesses the student in the four skill areas of language development Listening Speaking Reading Writing

Results The NYSESLAT results determine the child’s level of English Proficiency Beginner Intermediate Advanced English Proficient Scores indicating English Proficiency - the student is no longer in ESL. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced students continue to participate in the ESL program

Why the LAB-R and NYSESLAT? ALL schools in New York State will use the LAB-R for identification and the NYSESLAT for assessing progress

ESL Program Pull out Approximately 40 minutes per day Small group, 4-6 students Development of English language skills and reading comprehension through authentic literature Development of vocabulary and concepts, using realia (real items), songs and games

Kindergarten Development of vocabulary and concepts, through themes and hands- on materials Development of sound-symbol relationships Beginning reading and writing

First Grade Reinforce sound-symbol relationships At the Beginning and Intermediate Level this is a focus and continues to be developed Build literacy skills, vocabulary and comprehension Development of reading strategies

Second Grade Advanced students Strengthen language skills Reading – reinforce strategies, fluency Writing – writer’s notebook to develop details, focus on grammar Listening – following directions Speaking – opportunities to share ideas

How? Speaking In Kindergarten, speaking is promoted in the development of letter and sound recognition and vocabulary In First Grade, “the calendar” In Second Grade, students share their stories

Listening In all grades, students develop listening skills through step-by-step instructions, games and activities

Reading Reinforced via guided reading groups in the classroom, authentic texts are used for read alouds and shared reading Discussion and implementation of reading strategies Folktales from many countries

Writing In each grade, writing skills develop at appropriate level

Progress Reports Each marking period an ESL Progress Report is included with your child’s report card Child assessed in Listening Speaking Reading Writing Behavior

Remember… From infancy to five years of age, children learn 5,000 words

Learning should be relevant, meaningful and fun, so that children become lifelong learners Proud to have bilingual students and lucky to share experiences and cultures

Thank you Thank you. Your support is so important.