ENL Services
English Language Learner and Multilingual Learner Program Information
English as a New Language (ENL) Services
Students whose primary language is other than English are often referred to as Limited English Proficient students (LEP) or as English Language Learners (ELLs). Here in the Ballston Spa Central School District, we employ ESL teachers who provide a free-standing ENL program. Students are identified within the first two weeks of school using the following criteria:
1. Upon registration, the Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ) is completed by all parents/guardians of all students upon registration. If the HLQ indicates that a language other than English is spoken in the home or that the student understands a language other than English, an informal interview is conducted by an ESL teacher.
2. If the interview indicates that the student is possibly LEP/ELL, an assessment of the student’s level of English must be conducted by an ESL teacher using the NYSITELL (New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners). This test is administered only once and the results indicate the instructional programming provided to support the student.
3. Every spring, the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is administered to determine if an LEP/ELL student continues to demonstrate limited English proficiency.
4. Progress on the NYSESLAT is measured as beginning, intermediate, advanced or proficient and the classification determines the required amount of ESL and English Language Arts instruction the student will receive the following school year.