ESL Curriculum
This is a state and federal mandated program which seeks to provide intensive English skills to non-English speaking students using ESL methodologies and techniques. The students in this program are held to the same high standards as their English speaking counterparts, thus, the teachers incorporate all of the language arts modalities of listening, speaking, reading and writing. These classes not only teach English Language Arts but also teach
English through the content area.
The process of learning a second language is very similar to that of learning a first language. Studies have shown that the process of learning a second language, both for social skills and academic skills, take between 6 to 10 years. Students are required to complete the program within 3 years; an additional extension of services for three extra years can be requested from the New York State Education Department, Office of the Bilingual Education.
Spanish Language Arts This course has been established following CR Part 154 Guidelines that state that a bilingual program must be put in place when there are 20 or more students in the same building and grade, who speak the same language. The high school has more than 20 students in 9th and 10th grades, therefore, a bilingual program needs to be established at that grade level. The beginning LEP/ELL students will be placed in this course and will receive Spanish Language Arts to help them acquire or improve their reading and writing skills. The skills learned in Spanish will be transferred to English, making it possible for these students to acquire English at a faster pace.
Initial Identification and Placement Newly-registered students whose Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ) indicates that a language other than English is spoken at home, must be tested using the LAB-R for identification and initial placement. The test is used only once, at the time of registration in any school district in New York State. After this, the ELLs will be tested for English language development using the NYSESLAT.
The different levels of English language development as per the NYSESLAT are:
| LEVEL PERIODS: | ESL, NLA, ENGLISH | NYSESLAT SCORES |
| Low Beginner | 3 periods ESL 1 NLA | L&S 0-8 R&W 0-6 |
| High Beginner | 3 periods ESL 1 NLA | L&S 9-18 R&W 7-14 |
| Intermediate (II) | 2 periods ESL | L&S 19-25 R&W 15-19 |
| Intermediate (III) | 2 periods ESL | L&S 26-31 R&W 20-24 |
| Advanced/Transitional | 1 period ESL 1 period ELA | L&S 32-36 R&W 25-32 |
| Proficient | Exit ESL | L&S 37-39 R&W 33-35 |
In order to be placed at a level, ELLs must score the same on L&S (Listening and Speaking) and R&W (Reading and Writing). If they score differently, they will be placed at the level where they scored the lowest.
When students reach the Advanced level, they will receive additional services in Reading and Writing. Students in High Intermediate & Advanced levels are placed in mainstream classes for content area subjects. When recommended, they will still receive additional services from the Reading Teacher
Middle School
ESL Science 7/8 (40 Weeks) This course was created to meet the needs of the ESL students at the beginning English proficiency level. Over two years the ESL science course covers topics normally covered in science 7 and science 8. Students are placed in the class with the recommendation of the ESL teacher and Director of Science.