1. English Language Learners (ELL's)
Strategies for Supporting ELL Students and Their Families

2. ELL Teachers Mrs. Beth Garrett, Miller ES
Mrs. Sabrina Piscitelli, Miller ES
Mrs. Maura Czerepinski, Highview ES
Mrs. Liz McTigue, Barr MS
Mrs. Carol Ryan, NHS
Mrs. RoseAnn Mercado, Family Resource Center
Mrs. Rose Linsalato, Miller Bilingual Social Worker

3. Defining English Language Learners
NYS Limited English Proficient (LEP)
Identified by Language Assessment Battery-Revised (LAB-R)
Remains a LEP student until passes the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)
Must reach proficiency within 3 years or file an extension for services

4. Transitional English Language Learners
Former LEP students (FLEP)
Students who reach Proficiency level on NYSESLAT but who still are at risk for academic failure
Read below grade level
Lack background knowledge
English is not the home language

5. Challenges…
ELL’s must take NYSESLAT every year until they reach proficiency level
Students are expected to reach proficiency in three years
Students who reach “proficiency” require support to remain proficient and continue to develop English language skills

6. NYSESLAT Performance
Let’s look at how are LEP students are performing…

7. Challenges New York State Testing Program
August 2006: must administer ELA to ELL’s who have been enrolled in school in US for one year or more
ELL’s may take content area tests in their native language. If test is not available, they may have oral translations of the test
ELL’s must meet Regents requirements for HS diploma
Additional Challenge: Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE)

8. NYS LEP Results
Let’s look at how are LEP students in grades 3-8 are performing on ELA and Math…

9. Former LEP Results
Let’s look at how our transitional students are performing…

10. Responses to Challenges
Instructional Materials
Lower level texts, bilingual texts
Computer programs
Waterford Reading
Reading A to Z, RAZ Kids
Achieve3000
ESL ReadingSmart
ELLIS program
Instructional Programs
Small groups for ELA and content area
Read 180
PAF
Push in support in classrooms
ELA Academy
Bring Samples

11. Extended Support to Families
Adult ESL classes
Library Nights
Puppet show
Translators at Parent Teacher Meetings
Collaboration with Family Resource Center

12. Parent Meetings

13. Puppet Show

14. Family Resource Center
Parent / Child Home Program
Donation Drives
Transportation Fund
Scholarship Fund
Summer Backpack Enrichment
Books for Families
ELLIS for Parents
Halloween Costumes
Parent / Child Home Program: 2 home visits weekly for 23 weeks. Visitor brings new book or toy
Donation Drives - Car seats, clothing, books & toys (collaboration with Cub Scouts, Brownies, teachers and staff)
Transportation for parents to go to school events
Scholarship for Miller, HV, Barr; for HW Club at HV
Backpack – fun educational things to do over the summer
Halloween costumes from Toys R Us

15. Goals for ESL Program
Provide the appropriate levels of support to ELL’s as indicated by proficiency level and need
Continue to develop programs that help students meet the NYS standards and requirements
Continue to support students and their families through outreach programs
Continue to meet the needs of transitional students who must meet the same NYS standards as their native English-speaking peers
ESL program must include language arts & content area components
1 unit/week = 180’ (Advanced Students K-12)
2 units = 360’ (Intermediate Students K-12, Beginning Students K-8)
3 units = 540’ (Beginning Students 9-12)