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English as a New Language (ENL) » English as a New Language

English as a New Language

P.S.97Q, The Forest Park School  - English as a New Language (ENL) Program

The mission of our English as a New Language (ENL) program at P.S 97Q is to support English Language Learners (ELL) in acquiring English Proficiency by fostering their academic growth. Integrated ENL supports students by developing their English through different content areas in the classroom. 
Stand Alone ENL supports students by delivering English lessons on grade level standards of foundational literacy skills in a separate setting. We honor our students' linguistic and cultural diversity through home language support, making connections across languages, and hosting family events throughout the year.
 
 

English as New Language (ENL) Teachers Team

English Language Learners

An English Language Learner, or ELL, is a student who speaks a language other than English at home and needs support learning English.

 

Identifying English Language Learners

All parents and guardians of newly enrolled students complete a Home Language Identification Survey about which language your child speaks at home.

If your responses show that your child speaks a language other than English at home, the school may give your child the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners.

This test measures your child’s knowledge of English. If the test shows that your child would benefit from support learning English, your child will be identified as an English language learner.

All English Language Learners (ELLs) have a right to ELL programs and instruction.

 

Programs and Instruction

All ELLs receive English as a New Language (ENL) . Your child will be taught to read, write, and speak in English with support in your child's home language.

There are two types of bilingual education programs. In both programs, your child will learn reading, writing, and other classes in both English and in your child’s home language. Both programs include English as a New Language (ENL) instruction.
  • Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE): The goal of this program is for your child to read, write, and speak in both languages. After your child is no longer an English Language Learner (ELL), your child will stay in the program to learn and improve both languages. 
  • Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE): In these programs, as your child gets better in English, they will spend more time learning in English and spend less time learning in the home language. When your child is no longer an English Language Learner (ELL), they leave the program.
 

Choosing the Right Program

As a parent or guardian of an English Language Learner, you have the right to choose which program you want for your child. Your child must be placed in a program within ten school days of enrollment (or 20 school days if your child has an Individualized Education Program).

If your school has a bilingual program:

  • Your child will be placed in that bilingual program unless you choose to enroll your child in English as a New Language (ENL) only.

If your school does not have a bilingual program:

  • Your child will still get English as a New Language (ENL) at their current school.
  • If you want to request a bilingual program, but there are not enough students to create a bilingual education program at your child’s school, you might be able to transfer to a NYC public school with a bilingual program. Transportation services vary by school and your child’s eligibility. Talk to your school if you have questions about a bilingual program transfer or transportation options.
 
 

Learn More About the Programs

View a Parent Orientation Video

View the video(s) below, from the NY State Department of Education, to learn more about:

  • English Language Learner identification and eligibility
  • The three types of English Language Learner programs
  • Ways parents can participate in their child’s education
 

Helpful links for Families:

 

Find Out More:

  • Speak with your child’s teacher, principal, bilingual coordinator, or parent coordinator.
  • Call 311 to find the address of your local district office and visit.
  • Email the Office of Multilingual Learners at  [email protected].
 

NYSESLAT

New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)
 
Testing Dates:
 
Monday May 12th 2025
Wednesday May 14th 2025
Thursday May 15th 2025
Friday May 16th 2025