English as a New Language
The mission of the Williamsville Central School District’s English as a New Language (ENL) Program is to create a learning rich environment for English language learners, through English language acquisition and academic achievement.
Our model program is based on the following Essential Elements:
High Standards for English Language Learners (ELLs).
ELLs are held to the same high standards and expectations as all students. Curriculum, instruction, and assessment in all classrooms serving ELL students are aligned with New York State standards in the seven core areas.
Strong Literacy Development for English Language Learners (ELLs).
Literacy is developed through native language arts, English as a New Language, and English Language Arts curricula aligned with Next Generation learning standards for ELA/Literacy.
Qualified and Well-Trained Educators of English Language Learners (ELLs).
Competent, and appropriately certified teachers, administrators, and staff working with ELL students. The staff members participate in ongoing, long-term staff development with strong emphasis on the State learning standards. The single most critical element for successful learning by the ELL students is the quality and preparation of the teachers.
District/School-Based Leadership Committed to Educational Excellence and Equity for ELLs.
The superintendent promotes educational excellence for the ELLs. The school leadership is highly articulate regarding curriculum and instructional classroom strategies for ELLs and is highly supportive of their ENL instructional staff. Flexibility and expansion of instructional time are supported.
Positive School Climate for Limited-English Proficient English Language Learners (ELLs).
The languages and cultures of ELLs are respected and valued throughout the school. ESOL teachers are an integral part of the instructional staff and they are provided with the support, materials, and resources needed to be successful.
Parent/Family and Community Involvement in the Education of English Language Learners (ELLs).
Parents of ELLs are made to feel as important members of the school community and are meaningfully involved in the education of their children.
Assessment and Accountability.
ELL student performance and services are assessed on an ongoing basis at all levels using multiple, fair, and equitable measures. Assessment is conducted in the home/primary language and in English as appropriate. The information obtained is used to determine student academic progress, the level of English language acquisition, and to refine services to ELLs and report outcomes.
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is indispensable to an ELL student’s success. The ESOL teachers will make every effort to maintain continuous contact with parents regarding a child’s progress. Translators can be arranged through the school district for teacher/parent communication.
Communication will take place through the following means:
- Parents will receive a letter documenting their child’s placement in the ENL program each Fall
- Parents will be invited to an ENL parent orientation session at school each Fall
- Parents will be scheduled for biannual parent/teacher conferences
- Parent resources are available within the Newcomers Packet. Please contact your child's ESOL teacher for a copy
- Parents will receive ENL Progress Reports each grading period
- Parents will receive testing notification for State testing
- Parents will receive notification once their child has successfully completed the ENL program
Translator Services
The Williamsville Central School District may provide translators for the following school related events:
- Registration
- Open House
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
- ENL Parent Orientation
- New York State Standardized testing (for students)
- Other meetings with school personnel, including meetings for the Committee on Special Education
If you have a request for a translator for school events other than those listed above, please contact your child’s ENL teacher.
If you have a personal need for a translator, you may contact your child’s ENL teacher for some possible names, or contact the International Institute of Buffalo at 716-838-1900, translation@iibuff.org, or Journey’s End Refugee Services at 716-882-4963, ext 201 (interpreting@jersbuffalo.org)
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)
The New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is designed to annually assess the English proficiency of all English language learners enrolled in Grades K–12 in New York State schools. The assessments gives the State and schools important information about the English language development of English language learners (ELLs), and is part of the State's compliance with federal laws that mandate the annual assessing and tracking of English proficiency of English language learners.
Units of Study