English Language Learners

An English Language Learner, or ELL, is a student whose home language is not English and needs support learning English.

​​​

​

​

Identifying English Language Learners

All parents and guardians of newly enrolled students must complete a Home Language  Identification Survey to let school staff know 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 and shows whether your child needs support programs and services. If the test shows that your child needs support learning English, your child will be identified as an English language learner.

​​

​

Learn more about NYCDOE's ELL programs by visiting their website: ELLs in NYC​