Multilingual Education - English as a New Language

There are currently over 7,000 multilingual learners with over 80 languages represented in Buffalo Public Schools.  English as a new language (ENL) instruction is provided for those students identified as English Language Learners (ELLs) through the New York State screening and identification process upon registration.   

There are two types of ENL instruction - Stand-Alone and Integrated.  Stand-alone ENL is targeted towards those students at the beginning levels of English proficiency. Stand-Alone ENL instruction includes foundational literacy skills and academic language development.

Integrated ENL is required for ELLs of all proficiency levels.  In Integrated ENL, students receive core content area instruction (i.e., English language arts, math, science, or social studies) and English language development, including home language supports and appropriate ELL scaffolds delivered cooperatively by ESOL and content certified teachers. 

Each spring, all English Language Learners take the New York State Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT).  This test is designed to annually assess the English language proficiency of all ELLs enrolled in grades K-12.  The NYSESLAT provides information about the English language development of ELLs, which drives instruction aligned to the NYS Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS), Blueprint for ELL Success (BELLS), and Bilingual Common Core Initiative (BCCI).  Proficiency levels indicate the type of English language support each ELL needs to participate productively in the classroom.  A student who scores at the highest proficiency level (Commanding) has met the linguistic demands necessary to meet the discipline-specific standards and will exit ELL status.  After exiting ELL status, a student is considered to be a Former ELL and is still entitled to continued service for two years.  This service consists of monitoring by the ENL teacher to ensure the continued acquisition of the English language.  

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