ESL (English as a Second Language)

English As a Second Language Program

     There are more than 175 English Language Learners (ELLs) receiving direct ESL services in grades K – 5 at P.S. 247.  

     The English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers provide service and support to the ELL students through a blended Push-in/Pull-out model of instruction. Most ELL students receive instruction in English. In addition to the freestanding ESL program, there is a bilingual Chinese/English kindergarten classroom.  Students are grouped by proficiency level and may or may not share the same native language. 
      
     There are more than 20 languages represented in our school. Each ELL student receives 1 or 2 - 45 minute periods of ESL instruction according to their level of language acquisition and proficiency.

     English Language Learners are immersed in the language in their classrooms during the school day and engaged in academic content. Classroom Teachers, with the assistance from the ESL teachers, to adapt and accommodate class work so that ELLs can access the grade level curriculum and content subject areas in a meaningful way.

 Program Description

     The ELL Program in PS 247 supports learners in acquiring the English they need in order to succeed in the classroom and beyond, in accordance with the New York State and New York City Guidelines and English Language Proficiency Standards.

      Teachers who are fully certified in teaching English as a Second a Language work with ELL students at P.S. 247. New students are tested for English proficiency when entering the school, as well as periodically throughout the school year to determine progress and eligibility for continued instruction.

      The ELL program in the school develops English skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and cross-cultural awareness as well as the language of academic content. The ELL staff is trained in the same best literacy practices as classroom teachers. ELL instruction is aligned to grade level curriculum