An English Language Learner (ELL) is a student who speaks a language other than English at home. This student needs extra help learning English.
Identifying English Language Learners
All parents and guardians fill out a Home Language Identification Survey when their child enrolls. This survey asks what language their child speaks at home.
If your answers show that your child speaks a language other than English at home, the school may give your child a test called the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners.
This test checks how well your child knows English. If the test shows that your child would benefit from support learning English, your child will be identified as an English language learner.
Every ELL has the right to ELL programs and instruction.
Programs and Instruction
All ELLs receive English as a New Language (ENL) instruction. Your child will learn to read, write, and speak in English with support in their home language.
There are two types of bilingual education programs. In both, your child learns reading, writing, and other subjects in English and in another language. Both types also include ENL instruction.
- Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE): This program helps your child read, write, and speak in both languages. Once your child is no longer an English Language Learner (ELL), they can stay in the program to keep improving both languages.
- Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE): In this program, your child spends more time learning in English as their English improves, and less time learning in their home language. Once your child is no longer an ELL, they leave the program.
Choosing the Right Program
As a parent or guardian, you have the right to choose your child's program. The school must place your child in a program within ten school days of enrollment. If your child has an Individualized Education Program, the school has 20 school days instead.
If your school has a bilingual program, your child will be placed in that program, unless you choose ENL only instead.
If your school does not have a bilingual program, your child will still get ENL at their current school.
You can ask for a bilingual program. If there are not enough students for one at your child's school, your child may be able to transfer to another NYC public school that has one. Transportation services vary by school and your child’s eligibility. Talk to your school if you have questions about transferring or transportation options.
Learn More About the Programs
View a Parent Orientation Video
Watch translated videos from the NY State Department of Education to learn more about:
- ELL identification and eligibility
- The three types of ELL programs
- Ways parents can participate in their child’s education
Read Family Brochures
You can also read these translated brochures:
Attend Parent Orientation
After your child is identified as an ELL, your school will invite you to a parent orientation. At this meeting, you will:
- Learn about the ELL programs offered in NYC.
- Ask questions, with an interpreter's help, if needed.
- Get a form at the end to tell the school which program you want for your child.
Doing Well in a Program
In addition to parent-teacher conferences, your school will also hold a yearly one-on-one ELL parent meeting to discuss how your child is doing in school. You can ask questions, and request an interpreter if needed.
Each spring, your child will take a test that checks your child's progress in learning English. The results show strengths and areas to improve, such as speaking, reading, and writing. They also help decide if your child will stay identified as an ELL next school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child learn English if we use our home language often?
Yes. Many parents worry that two languages will confuse their child, but research shows this isn't true. Using your child's home language is the best way to help them learn English. Learning two languages also helps children think in flexible, powerful ways.
What kind of lessons should I expect in bilingual programs?
Students get part of their instruction in English and part in another language. The content is the same as in classrooms that are English-only. Students learn subjects such as math, science, and social studies in two languages.
When can my child leave ELL programs?
There are three ways students can exit ELL status:
Beginning in Spring 2027, your child will take WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS.
Once your child has met one of these criteria, they become a former ELL. Former ELLs receive two years of support after they exit ELL status.
Become Involved
- Ensure that your child goes to school every day, ready to learn.
- Ensure that your child reads and completes their homework assignments daily.
- Attend all parent-teacher conferences and annual ELL parent meetings.
- Help your child obtain a public library card and visit the library frequently.
- Attend parent workshops made to help you support your child.
- Serve as a parent volunteer in your child’s school.
- Create a supportive home environment for learning and studying.
- Read with your child in your home language every day and encourage them to read daily.
- Attend school activities such as field trips, assemblies, Parent-Teacher Association, Parent Association, and Community Education Council meetings.
- Ask for translation or interpretation, if needed. It is your right.
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.