Frequently Asked Questions
English

Para Español Oprima Aqui

1.   What is ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)? 
   Also referred to as English as a Second Language (ESL).  This instructional discipline provided to limited English proficient (LEP) English language learners (ELL) is mandated by the New York State Education Department.  The purpose of ESOL is to help learners develop full social and academic proficiency in English.  ESOL is sensitive to the student’s first language and culture.  The program addresses the four language skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English as well as content-area instruction.
   
   
2.   Is ESOL mandatory? 
   If a learner is identified as having limited English proficiency (LEP), then he/she must be provided with ESOL.  New York State Education Commissioner’s Regulations (CR) Part 154 provides guidelines for the education of English language learners.  The purpose of this law is to assure that English language learners are provided opportunities to achieve the same educational goals and standards as the general student population.  These regulations define requirements for school districts in developing and implementing ESOL programs.  ESOL is mandatory for all English Language learners.
   
   
3. How do the students exit out of the ESOL services? 
   Students must achieve a level of proficiency on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) to exit ESOL services.  The Federal “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB)Policy mandates that all English language learners from kindergarten through grade 12 be assessed every year to measure their English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  This test is administered from late April to mid May.  If students achieve a level of proficiency on the NYSESLAT, then they are no longer eligible for ESOL.
   
   
4. Who takes NYSESLAT?
   Every LEP student must take the NYSESLAT for NCLB reporting and proficiency levels until the student tests proficient.
   
   
5. What is LEAP?
   The Learning English through Academics Program (LEAP) is an English immersion program that uses the sheltered English instructional approach.  Students are taught English through content-area instruction.  Teachers use ESOL methodology to help students learn new content while they acquire English.
   
   
6. What schools have LEAP?
   LEAP is offered at the following elementary schools:  School No. 5, School No. 14, School No. 15, and School No. 50.  At the secondary level, LEAP is offered at Thomas Jefferson High School.
   
   
7. What is Bilingual Education?
   According to the New York State Commissioner’s Regulations, PART 154, Bilingual Education is instruction that takes into account the first language and culture of students. It is instruction in grades K -12 that systematically plans for language development needs using native language instruction, as well as English, to meet State standards. In Rochester, Bilingual programs are offered in Spanish.
   
   
8. Which schools offer Bilingual Programs in the RCSD?
   Bilingual programs are located at the Elementary level at:
   #9, #12, #17, #22, #28, #33 and #35
    
   Bilingual programs are located at the Secondary levels at:
   Monroe High School
   
   
9. How can I register my child in a Bilingual Program?
   To register your child in a Bilingual Program, you will need to call the Language Assessment and Placement Center at 324-3220 to make an appointment. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to fill out all required documents for school registration, and your child will be assessed for language proficiency
   
   
10. What is the primary purpose of the Language Assessment and Placement  Center?
    The primary purpose of the Language Assessment & Placement Center is to provide services for parents, guardians and students from pre-K through grade 12th, whose native language is not English.
    
    
11. Why does a student’s language dominance need to be identified before school registration?
    A student’s language dominance is identified to verify if he/she is eligible for Bilingual, DUAL Language, LEAP Program and/or English for Speakers of Other Languages services.
    
    
12. Are there local colleges that offer Bilingual Extension programs for teachers?
    Yes. Nazareth College, Buffalo State University and State University of New York at Brockport all offer certification programs for teachers. Limited grants are available. Please contact the college directly for more information.
    
    
13. How can I learn more about the Bilingual Programs in the Rochester City School District?
    For more information regarding Bilingual Education in the RCSD, please contact Wanda Pedraza at 262-8234.
    
    
14. What is the Bilingual Education Council?
    The Bilingual Education Council is a decision making body integrated by bilingual parents, community organization members, and educators interested in the development of Bilingual Education for students in the Rochester City School District.
    
    
15. What does the Hispanic Services office provide?
    The office of Hispanic Services provides services to Parents, Guardians and Families with the following:

• Customer Service
• Home School Relations
• Community Based Organizations
• Human Service Agencies
• Bilingual Programs
• Special Education
• Informational Parent Workshops

16. How can you contact the Hispanic Services office?
You can contact the Home School Assistants at the following numbers:

• Liduvina Quiñones at  262-8222
• Rose Mary Villarrubia-Izzo at  262-8296