ESL English as a Second Language

Virginia Road Elementary School

Prepared by: Laura Kulers

Mrs. Ada Jimenez-Parker, Principal

Dr. Diane Ramos-Kelly, Superintendent

Valhalla Union Free School District

What is ESL? English as a Second Language Learning and using English via

authentic literature and hands-on/real materials

Small group instruction Pull out program

Why was my child selected? New York State guidelines require

that first time registrants complete a Home Language Questionnaire

Students who speak a language other than English at home are assessed with a standardized English test, the LAB-R

LAB-R Language Assessment Battery-

Revised In New York State the LAB-R is

administered to determine if students are eligible for ESL services

Assesses listening, speaking, reading and writing skills

Students scoring below a set score receive ESL services

Cognitive Academic Language Higher level English language skills

needed to be successful in school “Playground” language (Basic

Interpersonal Communicative Skills) may misrepresent the child’s level of language proficiency

Learning and speaking the English language in and for school is more difficult and challenging

How long will my child be in ESL?

Language acquisition is very personal and is influenced by many factors and varies from student to student

Once the student demonstrates proficiency on the NYSESLAT, the student will no longer participate in the ESL program

What is NYSESLAT? NYSESLAT is New York State English as a

Second Language Achievement Test All ESL students in New York State are

given this exam to assess their progress The test holistically assesses the student in

the four skill areas of language development Listening Speaking Reading Writing

Results The NYSESLAT results determine the

child’s level of English Proficiency Beginner Intermediate Advanced English Proficient

Scores indicating English Proficiency - the student is no longer in ESL. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced students continue to participate in the ESL program

Why the LAB-R and NYSESLAT? ALL schools in New York State will

use the LAB-R for identification and the NYSESLAT for assessing progress

ESL Program Pull out Approximately 40 minutes per day Small group, 4-6 students Development of English language skills

and reading comprehension through authentic literature

Development of vocabulary and concepts, using realia (real items), songs and games

Kindergarten Development of vocabulary and

concepts, through themes and hands-on materials

Development of sound-symbol relationships

Beginning reading and writing

First GradeReinforce sound-symbol

relationships At the Beginning and Intermediate

Level this is a focus and continues to be developed

Build literacy skills, vocabulary and comprehension

Development of reading strategies

Second Grade Advanced students

Strengthen language skills Reading – reinforce strategies, fluency Writing – writer’s notebook to develop

details, focus on grammar Listening – following directions Speaking – opportunities to share ideas

How? Speaking In Kindergarten, speaking is

promoted in the development of letter and sound recognition and vocabulary

In First Grade, “the calendar” In Second Grade, students share

their stories

Listening In all grades, students develop

listening skills through step-by-step instructions, games and activities

Reading Reinforced via guided reading

groups in the classroom, authentic texts are used for read alouds and shared reading

Discussion and implementation of reading strategies

Folktales from many countries

Writing In each grade, writing skills

develop at appropriate level

Progress Reports Each marking period an ESL Progress

Report is included with your child’s report card

Child assessed in Listening Speaking Reading Writing Behavior

Remember… From infancy to five years of age,

children learn 5,000 words

Learning should be relevant, meaningful and fun, so that children become lifelong learners

Proud to have bilingual students and lucky to share experiences and cultures

Thank you Thank you. Your support is so

important.