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1) |
Q |
What do the abbreviations "ESL" and "LEP" and "ELL" signify? |
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A |
These abbreviations all signify a person who has limited proficiency in English.
-ESL: English as a Second Language Student
-LEP: Limited English Proficient Student
-ELL: English Language Learner |
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2) |
Q |
Why does a student need to take ESL? |
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A |
- New York State Education Department states that a student whose native language is not English and who scores as limited English Proficient should be offered English language instruction.
-An ESL student receives instruction in English vocabulary, grammar and communication skills in order to perform competently in content classes.
-The goal of the ESL program is success for all students in school. |
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3) |
Q |
How does a student qualify for ESL services? |
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A |
-New students are given a "Home Language Questionnaire" to identify the language that is spoken in the student's home.
-Students whose home language is not English are given a Language Assessment (LAB-R).
-If the score indicates non- proficiency in English, students qualify for ESL and will be enrolled in the ESL program. |
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4) |
Q |
What do the students do in ESL class? |
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A |
The ESL program focuses on helping students reach proficiency in English Language skills.
The ESL program has three main components or classes.
-The first component/ class focuses on English Language Proficiency. Students will learn vocabulary, practice grammar, learn standardized writing, and practice reading comprehension, listening and speaking.
-The second component/class focuses on English Language Arts. If the student is a beginner or intermediate level student, English Credit will be offered in the ESL class.
-The third component/class focuses on Content Area support. The ESL teacher coordinates with content area teachers in Social Studies, Science, Math and other subjects to provide alternative testing sites, native language materials and adaptive teaching. |
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5) |
Q |
How often does a student receive ESL services? |
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A |
The LAB-R Assessment will rate a student's proficiency in English.
-A beginning level student will receive 2 or 3 periods of ESL every day.
-An intermediate level student will receive 2 periods.
-An advanced student will receive 1 period of ESL every day.
-ESL students take regular classes while they receive ESL services. |
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6) |
Q |
Are modifications available for ESL students? |
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A |
Test Taking Modifications- ESL students enrolled in an ESL program, may have extended time on their local and NYS tests as well as alternative placement, translated tests when available and native language glossaries for test taking.
Content Class Modifications- The ESL teacher works with the regular teachers to make learning more accessible. ESL students may use alternative language texts when available, have modified assignments, and have extra time completing tests if necessary. |
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7) |
Q |
When do students take ESL? |
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A |
-In the High School, ESL services are available periods 1, 2, 3 and 4.
-In the Middle School, ESL services are available periods 7 and 8. |
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8) |
Q |
What tests do ESL students take? |
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A |
There are two NYS mandated tests for ESL students.
-LAB-R (Language Assessment Battery Revised)
This is the identification exam for entrance into the ESL program. This test is used to identify whether students qualify for ESL services. Students take this test when they first enter the school district. It identifies students proficiency level as beginner, intermediate, advanced or proficient.
-NYSESLAT (NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test)
This is an annual Assessment exam given to determine a student's progress. It is used to exit students from the ESL program when they reach English language proficiency. It is given to all ESL students in May of each year. |
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9) |
Q |
How does the school monitor a student's progress in ESL? |
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A |
In May, students take an assessment, NYSESLAT, to moniter their progress in obtaining proficiency in English.
-The ESL schedule will change with developing proficiency in English.
-When students reach proficiency, they exit the program.
-Students' school performance is monitered after they exit the program to insure academic success. |
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10) |
Q |
Teachers- How can I modify lessons for ESL students? |
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A |
Suggestions for working with English language learners:
-Recognize that each student has proficiency in their native language and utilize this skill by accessing native language materials if possible.
-Encourage ESL students to listen and participate on a limited basis until they are able to participate more fully.
-Send materials to the ESL teacher that can be worked on in the ESL classroom.
-Allow ESL students extra time to complete their work.
-Talk slowly and enunciate clearly when speaking to ESL students.
-Make sentences short and simplify your vocabulary whenever possible.
-Use attention signals to focus on important ideas. ("Listen carefully").
-Repeat key words that are critical to lesson.
-Use visual clues and use gestures to help get meaning across.
-Check often for understanding.
-Allow "wait time" for the students to understand and form responses.
-Show interest in the students, their language and their culture.
-Accept gestures, pantomime or drawings wherever possible.
-Avoid over correcting grammatical or pronunciation errors. |
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