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English Language Learners

Bianca Daidone, English as a New Language (ENL) Coordinator and Teacher

Fire Island accommodates all levels of English language learners, including students entering the United States with very limited to virtually no English proficiency, per the regulations of the State of New York. There is a process to ensure that the level of support and accommodation the student receives in all school subjects is commensurate  with their English language skills.

1. All students are initially assessed through a home language questionnaire administered by the ENL Coordinator.

2. If the home language questionnaire determines that the student is eligible for ENL services, the student takes the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL).

3. Upon receiving the results from the NYSITELL, the ENL Coordinator meets with the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student to present information on the school curriculum and the student's placement and level of services to be provided in the ENL program This information may be presented in any language necessary.

4. The ENL Coordinator meets with parent(s) or guardian(s) again at the middle of the year, and again at the end, to discuss the student's progress.

5. The student's proficiency in English is annually assessed by the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) and students advance through the ENL program as they gain proficiency in English.

Students may exit the ENL program when they have scored at the Proficient level on the NYSESLAT. Students receive two years of additional support services within content areas after having gained proficiency in English.