Oyster Bay-East Norwich

As outlined in Policy 8520 the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District believes that students who, by reason of foreign birth or ancestry who are English Language Learners (ELL), will be more effective learners of both the English language and the curriculum if they receive instruction in both their native/home language and English. The School District will therefore make every effort to provide English language learners (ELL) with an appropriate program of transitional bilingual education or free-standing English as a new language program. The School District has developed this comprehensive plan to meet the educational needs of all English language learners.  The plan will be shared with all District administrators to ensure the vision for ELL success is clear to all.

Important Acronyms/Terms

• ELL: English Language Learner (the student)
• ENL: English as a New Language (the educational program)
• LEP: Limited English Proficiency
• NYSITELL: New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (entrance exam)
• NYSESLAT: New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (administered annually)
• HLQ: Home Language Questionnaire 
• Stand Alone: ENL teacher works with ELLs in a separate setting for small group instruction
• Integrated: ENL teacher co-teaches with a grade level or content area teacher to address the needs of students
• SIFE: Student with Inconsistent/Interrupted formal Education
• BICS: Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills refer to linguistic skills needed in everyday, social face-to-face interactions, social language. It takes the learner from six months to two years to develop BICS.
• CALP: Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency focuses on proficiency in academic language or language used in the classroom in the content areas. Academic language is characterized by being abstract, context reduced, and specialized. It may take learners at least five years to develop CALP. 

Alignment with CR Part 154 Regulations

Our district will adhere to the following CR Part 154 requirements:

• Timely identification and assessment of ELLs within 10 school days of initial enrollment.  Select students take the NewYorkState Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) to determine if they are eligible for ENL Services.
• Parent notification and orientation regarding ELL identification, program options, and rights.
• Provision of required Units of Study in English as a New Language (ENL) based on students' proficiency levels.
• Implementation of Bilingual Education programs where there are 20 or more ELLs of the same grade level and home language.
• Professional development for all teachers and administrators to support ELL instruction
• Annual assessment of ELLs' English language proficiency using the NYSESLAT.
• Monitoring of Former ELLs for two years after exiting ELL status.

By implementing this educational philosophy, our district aims to create a supportive and challenging learning environment that enables ELLs to thrive academically, linguistically, and socially, in accordance with New York State regulations and research-based best practices.

Educational Philosophy for English Language Learners (ELLs)

Our school district is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where English Language Learners (ELLs) can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that all students, regardless of their linguistic background, deserve high-quality education that respects their culture, promotes language development, and prepares them for success in a global society. Our mission is to provide ELLs with the resources, strategies, and support they need to achieve proficiency in English while mastering academic content in all subject areas.

Guiding Principles

1. Asset-Based Approach: We view linguistic diversity as an asset that enriches our school community. ELLs bring unique perspectives and experiences that enhance the learning environment for all students.
2. Language Acquisition as a Lifelong Process: We recognize that language learning is a dynamic and ongoing process. Our district is committed to scaffolding instruction to meet the evolving needs of ELLs, providing both academic rigor and language support at every stage of development.
3. Culture Backgrounds: We value the cultural backgrounds of all students and aim to create a learning environment where students feel valued, respected, and understood. Instruction is designed to be culturally relevant and to foster an appreciation for diversity and belonging.
4. Opportunity: We are committed to providing ELLs with the same high-quality education opportunities as their peers. Our instructional practices are designed to ensure that ELLs have access to the full curriculum and the support they need to excel.

The English as a New Language (ENL) Department

The Department of English as a New Language focuses on helping our English Language Learners (ELLs) learn social and academic English so that they may find success in school and in life. This dynamic team of educators collaborates to ensure that each child has the best resources available to be a successful member of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich family. The Department of ENL empowers all English Language Learners to reach their full potential in the best possible learning environment and encourages parents to actively participate in their children's education. 

The department offers the following courses for students:

Stand-alone class in English as a New Language: This course is mandatory for all students who have scored at the entering or emerging level on the NYSESLAT or NYSITELL exam. The course provides grade and age level appropriate instruction in the required content area subjects in English supported by E.N.L. methodologies, employed in a systematic and structured way. This course is designed to develop cognitive skills of multi-language learners in the content areas. New York State testing determines eligibility.

Integrated Reading/Writing/English Language Arts: This course is taught by a Reading/Writing/English Language Arts teacher and the teacher of English as a New Language. This curriculum is offered at the middle school, but includes the ENL teacher to provide support during the class so that English Language Learners/Multilingual learners are provided the appropriate tools and strategies to be successful in the course as they develop their language skills.

Integrated Courses in Math, Science and Social Studies: This course is taught by a Math/Science/Social Studies teacher and the teacher of English as a New Language. The Integrated courses are offered at the high school and include the ENL teacher to provide support during the class so that English Language Learners/Multilingual learners are provided the appropriate tools and strategies to be successful in the course as they develop their language skills.