English as a New Language

What Is an English Language Learner (ELL)?

A student is identified as an English Language Learner if:

• A language other than English is spoken at home (shown on the Home Language Questionnaire), and
• A state English language assessment shows the student would benefit from extra support in English.
  In New York State, all students complete the Home Language Questionnaire when they enroll. If a language other than English is listed, students may take the NYSITELL assessment to determine their English language skills and whether ENL services are needed.

What ENL Services Mean for My Child

If your child is identified as an ELL, they will receive ENL services to help develop English while learning all school subjects. Families are not charged, and services are available to all eligible students, regardless of immigration status.

How the ENL Program Works

ENL services are provided in ways that best meet each student’s needs. These include—

• Integrated ENL Support: English language support delivered as part of academic classes, often with an ENL teacher working with the classroom teacher to help students with English and content at the same time.
• Stand-Alone ENL Classes: English language development in a separate class, focusing on skills like vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
  Instruction is aligned with NYS standards for English language development and academic content.
  Integrated English as a New Language Resources -
  New York State Education Department

The amount and type of ENL services are based on a student’s English proficiency level and reviewed each year as part of annual assessment and progress monitoring.

Each student’s English skills are described at one of several levels (e.g., Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, Commanding). These levels help teachers plan the right support. Students move toward higher proficiency as they learn English through ENL instruction and other classes.

Progress toward higher levels is monitored every year through the NYSESLAT, a required state English language proficiency test.

New York State Education Department

Important Assessments

NYSITELL: Given once when a student first enrolls to determine if they need ENL services.

NYSITELL - New York State Education Department

NYSESLAT: A yearly English proficiency test used to guide instruction and determine if a student continues in ENL.

NYSESLAT - New York State Education Department

Sharing Progress with Families

Families receive information about:

• Their child’s proficiency level,
• Progress in ENL services,
• How progress is reported (report cards, parent conferences),
• What each level means for learning.

When Students Exit ENL Status

A student exits ENL status once they meet state exit criteria on the NYSESLAT (and other required assessments, depending on grade). After exiting, students receive Former ELL services for two additional years to support ongoing academic language development.

ELL Screening, Identification, & Placement - New York State Education Department

Our ENL team is here to support you and your child!

• ENL Teachers: Provide English language instruction and support across classes.
  • K-5: Mrs. Nicole Sandretto - nsandretto@lew-port.com
  • 6-12: Ms. Katie Miano - kmiano@lew-port.com 
• Co-teachers / Content Teachers: Work with ENL teachers to support language development within regular classroom subjects.

We Are Here to Help

• You can contact the ENL team any time with questions.
• If you need interpretation or translation for meetings or school communications, just let us know — support is available in your preferred language.
• Important notices and menus are shared in multiple languages when possible.

Orientation & Meetings

New ENL families should be invited to an orientation to explain ENL services, expectations, and support — in your preferred language if possible.

ELL Screening, Identification & Placement - New York State Education Department

You can help your child every day by:

• Encouraging reading and talking in any language — strong home language skills support learning English.
• Reading with your child (books, menus, labels, phone apps).
• Asking your child to tell you about their school day.
• Using library resources, educational apps, and online supports.

Every student and family has rights, including:

• A meaningful opportunity to participate fully in school programs.
  Regulations Concerning ELL (CR Part 154) - New York State Education Department
• Written notices in your preferred language about ENL identification and placement.
  ELL Screening, Identification, & Placement - New York State Education Department
• The right to ask questions, request interpreters, and participate in decisions about ENL services.

Q: What if I don’t speak English well?
A: We offer interpretation and translation services so you can understand your child’s education and school events.

Q: How long will my child stay in ENL?
A: Your child remains in ENL until they meet NYSED exit criteria on state tests. After exiting, they receive two more years of monitoring and support.
ELL Screening, Identification, & Placement - New York State Education Department

Q: Will ENL affect my child’s grades?
A: Students still take the same grade-level classes, and ENL helps them access the curriculum while learning English.

We strive to provide translations of this page and important documents in the primary languages spoken by our families. Please contact us if you need a translated version or an interpreter.