Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL)
Programs
in the
Facts:
·
Nearly 20% (approximately 1,800) of the K-12 student
population in the Newton Public Schools speak a home language other than
English
·
About 800 students in our schools are recent arrivals in the
United States. Many others were born in
the US and speak another language at home.
Frequently-Asked-Questions
(FAQ's):
Q. What programs are available for my
child who is learning English as a new language?
A. When your child is evaluated as an
"English Language Learner," you have the right to enroll your child
in a Bilingual Program, an ESL-only Program, or reject any of those language
services.
Q. How will I know if my child should
participate in an ESL/Bilingual Program?
A. When you
enter the Newton School District, you will be asked if you and your family
speak a language other than English. If
you answer "yes," we can evaluate your child's English skills for
speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Many
times, second language students can speak English well, but lack academic
vocabulary or grade level writing skills they need for their grade in
school. With the new state testing
requirements, ALL students must take several tests, from grades 3-10.
The
ESL/Bilingual Program can help your child be academically successful in
Newton's classrooms.
Q. What will my child's Bilingual or ESL
Program look like?
A. At
the elementary level (Kindergarten-Grade 5):
Your child will be in a regular (mainstream) classroom for
most of the day. He/she will
participate in academic subjects such as math, science, world language and
social studies. Also, everyone
participates in art, music, physical education and library.
Your
child may leave the classroom to attend Bilingual or ESL classes. Sometimes the Bilingual/ESL staff will work
with your child individually or in a small group in the regular classroom.
In
Grades 6-12: Your child will take
ESL in place of another English class and may take ESL social
studies/history. As needed, ESL science
may be offered.
Your
child may take academic support classes for additional time to prepare for
other classes, receive help with homework, test preparation, research and other
activities. This support takes place
during the regular school day in the first and second languages of the student,
as appropriate.
Your
child can remain in the ESL/Bilingual Program for the time needed to
demonstrate grade-level language literacy and academic performance. Many students "graduate" from
ESL/Bilingual in 2-3 years, depending on prior schooling and individual
differences.
Q. How can I help my child succeed in
school?
A. You can
maintain a strong first language and culture connection with your child. Children learn in any language and in many
languages! Reading in the home language
helps a child learn to read in a new language.
You
can supervise your child's homework and make sure there is a routine for
completing homework.
You
can ask questions by contacting your child's teacher, the ESL/Bilingual staff
or the school principal. At the
secondary level, the guidance counselor will be the main person to
contact. Simply tell someone if you
would like an interpreter.
Bilingual/ESL
Programs
Education
Center, Room 308
100 Walnut
Street
Newton, MA 02460
617-552-7618
Fax:
617-552-7845