ENL Services
English as a New Language (ENL)
ENL services help students from other language backgrounds develop English language skills for success in school and beyond graduation. All incoming students whose native language is not English are assessed using the New York State Identification Test for English language Learners (NYSITELL). All ENL students take the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)at the end of every school year to track their year-to-year progress in English Language Proficiency.
Once identified as an English Language Learner, ELL students at P.S. 245 Magnet School of Arts and Science (K-5) fall into five language acquisition groups: Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding and Commanding.
Entering and Emerging students receive a minimum of 2 units of instructional time per week (360 min).
Transitioning and Expanding students receive 1 unit of study per week (180 min).
Commanding students receive .5 units of study per week (90 minutes) for an additional two years after attaining proficiency on the NYSESLAT.
To ensure that ENL students meet the expectations of the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards, our certified ENL teacher offers support in English through academic subjects and confers regularly with administration, classroom teachers and parents to develop a program whose strategies promote success. At PS 245, we have adopted the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) for our readers and writers. TCRWP centers on independent student work in combination with teacher modeling and one-on-one and small-group guidance to support literacy in Grades K-5. We have also adopted enVisionmath 2.0, a comprehensive mathematics curriculum for Grades K-5. It is a program that provides the focus, coherence, and rigor needed to meet New York State standards alongside project-based learning, visual learning strategies, and extensive customization options to empower every teacher and student.
The goal of our ENL Program is to create a learning rich environment for English language learners, through English language acquisition and academic achievement. Our program is based on the following Essential Elements:
High Standards for English Language Learners (ELLs).
ELLs are held to the same high standards and expectations as all students. Curriculum, instruction, and assessment in all classrooms serving ELL students are aligned with New York State Next Generation Learning Standards.
Strong Literacy Development for English Language Learners (ELLs).
Literacy is developed through native language arts, English as a New Language, and English Language Arts curriculum aligned with the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards for ELA/Literacy.
Qualified and Well-Trained Educators of English Language Learners (ELLs).
Only trained and certified teachers, administrators, and staff work with ELL students. The staff members participate in ongoing, long-term staff development with strong emphasis on the State learning standards.
Positive School Climate for Limited-English Proficient English Language Learners (ELLs).
The languages and cultures of ELLs are respected and valued throughout the school. Students are provided with the support, materials, and resources needed be successful.
Parent/Family and Community Involvement in the Education of English Language Learners (ELLs).
Parents of ELLs are made to feel as important members of the school community and are meaningfully involved in the education of their children.
Assessment and Accountability.
ELL student performance and services are assessed on an ongoing basis at all levels using multiple, fair, and equitable measures. Assessment is conducted in the native language and in English as appropriate. The information obtained is used to determine student academic progress, the level of English language acquisition, and to refine services to ELLs.
For more information and guidance, please visit:
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/multilingual-learners/english-language-learners