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2021 Statistics on ELs in the US

-- About 10.6 percent of public school students were ELLs (about 5,000,000) -

- The percentage of public school students who were ELs ranged from 0.8 percent in West Virginia to 20.3 percent in Texas.

-- 3.8 million speak Spanish (followed by Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese)

- 800,600 ELs were identified as students with disabilities

-- most born in US and are US citizens

-- only 70% will graduate HS (compared to overall 85%) - according to NPR biggest problem is the QUALITY instruction tailored to ELL needs

https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgf/english-learners

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How ELLs are identified in NJ

-- Step 1: Home Language Survey

-- Step 2: Records Review - interview with student/family & review of school records ***IMP!!

-- Step 3: In NJ and other states, use some type of test to further Pinpoint needs of ELs (Access/Model & Screener)

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Phonics, decoding

Opinions, analysis

Phonics, decoding

Opinions, analysis

BICS: Conversational Language

CALPS: Academic Language

BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills)

Definition: Everyday conversational language used in social interactions.
Characteristics:

Contextualized with gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Used in informal settings (e.g., playground, cafeteria, daily conversations).
Develops quickly (usually within 1–2 years of exposure to a new language).

Example:

“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Let’s play soccer after school.”

CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)

Definition: The language needed for academic success and critical thinking.
Characteristics:

More abstract, complex, and decontextualized.
Used in academic settings (e.g., reading textbooks, writing essays, solving math problems).
Takes longer to develop (typically 5–7 years, sometimes up to 10 years).

Example:

“Analyze the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.”
“Explain the relationship between supply and demand in economics.”

Key Takeaway

BICS = Social language (quick to acquire).
CALP = Academic language (longer to develop, essential for school success).

A common mistake is assuming that students who speak fluently in social settings (BICS) are fully proficient in academic contexts (CALP), but they may still struggle with reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking in school.

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NJ Bilingual Law

Identify and Assess All Potential EL Students - HLS
Provide Language Assistance to EL Students – ESL in Hamilton
Staff and Support an EL Program – ESL certified teachers/SEI trained teachers
Provide Meaningful Access to All Curricular and Extracurricular Programs (work towards graduation) – all ESL students are included

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NJ Bilingual Law Cont’d

Avoid Unnecessary Segregation of EL Students
Evaluate EL Students for Special Education and Providing Dual Services - must provide BOTH if eligible (test in dominant language)
Ensure Meaningful Communication with Limited English Proficient Parents – interpreters, letters translated, etc.
Law for parental consent effective on July 1, 1996, states that parents of English language learners have the right to decline bilingual education program services (includes ESL)
Monitor and Exit EL Students from EL Programs and Services (make sure they are progressing within a reasonable time)

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ESL at Cresthaven Academy Charter School

K-4 Pull out or Push In for 1 period daily

Upper Campus 5-8 – ESL for 2 periods daily

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What ESL is and what ESL isn’t

ESL IS:

-essential/mandated language development for L2 learners

-separate instruction time

- communication based program that includes multicultural aspects

ESL ISN’T:

-Special ed nor remedial ed

- Grammar based

- Supplemental

- Simply Language Arts

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What parents can do to become more involved

Attend back-to-school nights/events
Communicate with teachers (text, phone, email, note, log)
Value education at home.. ...
Encourage reading....
Help manage the homework process…
Attend parent organization meetings… join and ATTEND ESL Parent Advisory Committee

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Purpose for creating the ESL Parent Advisory Committee

To inform parents of ESL students about Programs for ELLs at Cresthaven Academy
To offer an opportunity for parents of ESL students to communicate their concerns
To receive answers to their questions

Next Meeting TBD – email will be sent out asking who would like to be part of the Bilingual Advisory Committee

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