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English Language Learners English Language Learners (ELL's)(ELL's)

Strategies for Supporting ELL Students and Their Families

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ELL TeachersELL 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

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Defining English Language Defining English Language LearnersLearnersNYS 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

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Transitional English Language Transitional English Language LearnersLearnersFormer 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

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Challenges…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

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NYSESLAT Performance NYSESLAT Performance

Let’s look at how are LEP students are performing…

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ChallengesChallenges

• 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

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NYS LEP ResultsNYS LEP Results

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

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Former LEP ResultsFormer LEP Results

Let’s look at how our transitional students are performing…

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Responses to ChallengesResponses to Challenges

Instructional Programs Small groups for ELA

and content area– Read 180– PAF

Push in support in classrooms

ELA Academy

Instructional Materials Lower level texts,

bilingual texts Computer programs

– Waterford Reading– Reading A to Z, RAZ

Kids– Achieve3000– ESL ReadingSmart– ELLIS program

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Extended Support to FamiliesExtended Support to Families

Adult ESL classesLibrary NightsPuppet showTranslators at Parent Teacher

MeetingsCollaboration with Family Resource

Center

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Parent MeetingsParent Meetings

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Puppet ShowPuppet Show

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Family Resource CenterFamily Resource Center

Parent / Child Home Program Donation Drives Transportation Fund Scholarship Fund Summer Backpack Enrichment Books for Families ELLIS for Parents Halloween Costumes

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Goals for ESL ProgramGoals 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