The English as a New Language (ENL) program at Gates Chili Middle School works continuously to meet the needs of each student in the program. English Language Learners are required to meet NY state standards in all content areas.

ESOL teachers work with the students to build their speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills in English. The goal of the program is to support students as they become English proficient. There are two types of English as a New Language programs:

In stand-alone ENL, students receive English language development instruction taught by a New York State certified ESOL teacher to acquire the English language needed for success in core content areas. Instructional materials are designed to meet the needs of students based on the students' level of proficiency. During integrated ENL instruction, the ESOL teacher works in the classroom and collaborates with the content area teacher to provide extra language support to ELLs. The lessons use appropriate scaffolds to address the language and content needs of the ELLs in the class. Students at all proficiency levels will receive some of their ENL instruction in an integrated model.

What makes the ENL program at Gates Chili Middle School unique?

• A class in foundational literacy skills is offered to ELLs who need support with the alphabet, print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics, high-frequency word recognition, and fluency. This class is beneficial to those students that have not learned to read in their first language.
• ELLs are grouped into communities to build strong relationships with their peers and teachers.
• Stand-alone classes are small and highly engaging. For example, a class is learning language while building background information and academic vocabulary for science by studying cells and what is inside of them which leads to the study of DNA and genetics. Students use a microscope and prepare a wet mount slide to view some of their own cheek cells.

Students are supported throughout the day by a teacher aide who is dedicated to the program.

Like the middle school, stand-alone ENL students at the Gates Chili High School receive English language development instruction taught by a New York State certified ESOL teacher to acquire the English language needed for success in core content areas. Instructional materials are designed to meet the needs of students based on the students' level of proficiency. The high school offers some all-ELL classes, which are co-taught with an ESOL teacher and a certified content teacher. All ELL classes include ENL English I, ENL English II, ENL Global 9, ENL Global 10, ENL Earth Science, ENL Living Environment, ENL Algebra, and ENL Applied Geometry.

In addition to the all-ELL classes, students may be placed in an integrated class, again with an ESOL teacher and a content teacher, along with a mixed group of students. Often ELLs take most of their classes together. As their language proficiency improves, they become more independent and take mostly integrated classes. Even at the Commanding level, they can still use their testing accommodations and receive the support that they need from the ESOL teacher in a study hall or after school.

Beginning in ninth grade, or whenever the student arrives at Gates Chili High School, the ESOL teacher and the guidance counselor create a schedule that fits each student based on his or her needs. ESOL teachers and counselors collaborate to create a graduation plan for each student, making sure each ELL is meeting all his or her needs for graduation, including core courses, electives and physical education. Students are required to take electives, and they have a choice in what classes may interest them most. They are offered courses in technology, family and consumer sciences, music, art, world languages and business. Several departments offer dual credit courses, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school.

English Language Learners can also take advantage of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at WEMOCO in their junior and senior years. WEMOCO CTE programs offer high school students an opportunity to explore several different career and technical fields while preparing for meaningful employment and post-secondary education. Students gain a strong background in marketable skills and 21st-century skills. ELLs are also encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports. They offer opportunities for students to meet new friends and have some fun outside of the classroom, socialize and further improve their English proficiency.