Language Acquisition Department
Introduction
The Department of Language Acquisition comprises the programs for English Language Learners and World Languages. The Newburgh Enlarged City School District offers English as a New Language (ENL), Transitional Bilingual, and Dual Language programs for our English Language Learners (ELLs) scholars and a wide range of language courses in Spanish and Italian for students who are interested in learning other languages. This includes language college level courses and the NYS Seal of Biliteracy program.
Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes Newburgh ECSD high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The Seal of Biliteracy promotes the study of languages within our schools, to equip our high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills to provide universities with additional information about our applicants’ twenty-first century skills seeking admission and placement and for employment.
Mission Statement of the Language Acquisition Programs:
Inspiring students to be tomorrow’s leaders by acquiring multilingual and multicultural skills that go beyond “Academy Field”
ELL Programs & Locations
English as a New Language (ENL)
A student who participates in the ENL Program receives all his academic classes in English along with other students who speak English as well. These students receive a daily unit of ENL instruction or more, depending on their level, by a certified ENL teacher.
The ENL program is available at all of our schools K-12.
Transitional Bilingual
A student who participates in the Transitional Bilingual Program receives all academic classes in English and Spanish, along with other ELLs who speak Spanish as well. The assistance in the Spanish language is provided to students as a way to facilitate learning until the student has shown an appropriate dominance in the English language. Students in a Transitional Bilingual Program receive a daily unit of ENL instruction or more, depending on their level, by the classroom teacher, who is a certified Bilingual teacher.
The Transitional Bilingual Program is available at the following schools at this time:
- Gardnertown
- Gidney Avenue
- Meadow Hill
- South Middle School
- NFA - Main Campus
Dual Language
A student who participates in the Dual Language Program receives academic classes in English and Spanish. The program is comprised of students who are native English speakers and ELLs who are native Spanish speakers. The Dual Language Program uses English and Spanish for literacy and content instruction for all students. The program provides the same academic content and addresses the same standards as other educational programs. Students in the Dual Language Program receive a daily unit of ENL instruction, or more, depending on their level.
The Dual Language Program is available at the following schools at this time:
- Fostertown
- Temple Hill Academy
- Vails Gate
La Misión de los Programas de Adquisición del Lenguaje:
Inspirando a los estudiantes a convertirse en los líderes del mañana adquiriendo destrezas multilingües y multiculturales que van más allá del “Academy Field”
NYSESLAT Information
The New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is designed to annually assess the English language proficiency of all English Language Learners (ELLs) enrolled in Grades K–12 in New York State schools.
There are Four Parts to the Exam
- Speaking: Students will respond to questions verbally in English
- Listening: Students will listen to a passage and then answer questions in a Booklet
- Reading: Students will read a passage and then answer questions about that passage
- Writing: Students will be given a prompt to respond to in writing in their exam booklet
NYSESLAT Testing Dates
| NYSESLAT Speaking | NYSESLAT Listening, Reading, Writing |
|---|---|
| April - May | May |
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS IN NEW YORK STATE:
ENGLISH: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/bilingual-ed/guideforparentsofellsinnysenglish.pdf
ESPANOL: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/bilingual-ed/guideforparentsofellsinnys9.22.15-spanish.pdf
العربية: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/bilingual-ed/guide_for_parents_of_ells_in_nys_9.22.15_-_arabic.pdf
¡COLORÍN COLORADO!: A bilingual website for families and educators of English language learners(Open external link) for families and educators of English language learners, which is a project in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers. https://www.colorincolorado.org/
ENGAGENY: EngageNY.org(Open external link) is developed and maintained by the New York State Education Department to support the implementation of key aspects of the New York State Board of Regents Reform Agenda, including the Common Core Standards.. https://www.engageny.org/
NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS: The English Learner Family Toolkit was created to help families choose education services that meet their child’s needs. U.S. educators, elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and other school staff can also share the toolkit as a resource for English learners and their families. https://ncela.ed.gov/family-toolkit
NATIONAL PTA: Created for grades K-8 and high school English, language arts/literacy and mathematics, the guides provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career. https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Parents-Guides-to-Student-Success
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES: This brochure(Open external link) provides information about how you can help build your child's reading and language skills during the early years of life. Reading well is at the heart of all learning. Without the ability to read, children can't succeed in school. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/multilingual-learners/helpful-links-for-families-of-english-language-learners
READING ROCKETS: A website geared mostly toward educators(Open external link), but useful for families as well! Discusses the most effective ways to teach English Language Learners, how to create a welcoming classroom, and ways to promote family involvement. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/multilingual-learners/helpful-links-for-families-of-english-language-learners
NYS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - OFFICE OF BILINGUAL EDUCATION: Our mission is to ensure that all New York State English Language Learners (ELLs) attain the highest level of academic success and that all Multilingual Learners (MLs) – which include ELLs, Former/Ever ELLs, World Languages students, and heritage speakers of World Languages – achieve the highest level of language proficiency in English and in one or more other languages. Our Vision is to provide leadership that embraces linguistically diverse learners to establish a Multilingual Society. http://www.nysed.gov/program-offices/office-bilingual-education-and-world-languages-obewl
NY IMMIGRATION COALITION - COMMUNITY RESOURCES: The NYS Community Toolkit is a resource guide for immigrants and allies, offering updates about policies and information about programs to connect immigrant New Yorkers with resources throughout the state. https://www.nyic.org/resources-training/kyr/
TEACHERS FIRST: These reviewed resources offer information so share with parents of ESL/ELL students. Some are resources parents can use at home with children to reinforce language skills. Others include suggested activities ESL/ELL learners can begin in school and share with parents. Be sure to read the "In the Classroom" suggestions for ways these reviewed resources can build language skills both at home and at school. https://www.teachersfirst.com/par-esl.cfm
MI ESCUELITA DE APOYO: Material gratuito para padres y maestros. https://www.miescuelitadeapoyo.com/
UNITE FOR LITERACY: At Unite for Literacy, we picture a world where all children have access to an abundance of books that celebrate their languages and cultures and cultivate a lifelong love of reading. https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/
US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: https://www.ed.gov/
US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - TOOLKIT FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES: https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/involve/2006toolkit/index.html
US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - HELPING YOUR CHILD SERIES: https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/hyc.html
FEDERAL STUDENT AID: Throughout this site, you’ll find useful information about paying for college with the federal student aid programs. You and your child may want to browse the “Resources” page to find fact sheets, videos, and graphics on a variety of financial aid topics. Meanwhile, we’d like to point out some pages of the site, and other resources, that might be of particular interest to parents. https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/parents
