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Bilingual/ESL & Dual Language

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Aldo Sanchez-Abreu
Executive Director
Bilingual/ESL/WL & Testing
[email protected]
201-915-6020
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Dr. Mary Ibrahim
Supervisor of Bilingual/ESL K-12 
[email protected]
201-484-8547		 Neisha Rosado
Supervisor of Bilingual/ESL K-12 
[email protected]
201-416-3174
 
Clerk l Eddilyn Figueroa l [email protected] l 201-915-6196
 
Multilingual Intake Center Information
 
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Dual Language Application Link in English
 
Dual Language Application Link in Spanish
 
 
Bilingual / ESL Department Overview
 
The Bilingual/ESL Programs strive to effectively identify Bilingual Learners (MLS) through a state-approved home language survey and an English proficiency language assessment. In addition, these programs will provide each identified ML student with a rigorous research-based instructional program. The curricula are implemented by highly qualified teachers who integrate instruction with assessment, education policies that enhance and support learning, and classrooms with ready access to technology. The Bilingual/ESL program aims to prepare students to become 21st-century global citizens in a multicultural world.
 
 
 
ESL Program
 
An ESL language instructional program is offered and implemented for all ML students in grades K-12 whose native language is not English. English language instruction is offered by certified ESL teachers with a targeted focus on the four domains of language acquisition: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing through Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. ESL instruction is also a component of all Bilingual Programs.
 
Bilingual Self-Contained (Transitional Bilingual Instruction)
 
Multilingual Learners receive primary (native) language instruction for effective content development in all content areas. The second language (i.e., Spanish/Arabic) and English have equal value and status in teaching and learning. Certified Bilingual and ESL teachers teach students.  
  • Magnet Sites (K-12) Spanish: MS #7 (6-8), PS #8 (K-5), PS #12 (K-2), PS #30 (3-5), Ferris HS and Dickinson HS
  • Magnet sites (K-3) Arabic: PS #17 
 
Bilingual Pull-Out
 
In a part-time bilingual model, multilanguage learners receive native language instruction in both Language Arts and Mathematics. In this educational approach, the second language (e.g., Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu) and English have equal value and status in the teaching and learning process. Certified Bilingual and ESL teachers teach students.
  • Bilingual Pull-Out Arabic Speaking Students - PS #11 , PS #17, PS #23
  • Bilingual Pull-Out Gujarati/Hindi/Urdu -Speaking Students -  PS #11, PS #25, PS #27
 
Dual Language (Two Way Immersion)
 
The Dual Language Program offers students an opportunity to become bilingual and bi-literate. Students in the program speak either English or Spanish at home and learn both languages at school to develop fluency in speaking, reading, and writing. Our learners begin the program in Pre-K and remain in it through grade 5.  

El “Programa de Inmersión en Dos Idiomas” le dará a su hijo(a) la oportunidad de ser bilingües y asi aprender los conocimientos pertinentes a su nivel de estudios en dos idiomas: en inglés y español. Los niños que participen en este programa hablan inglés o español en casa y reciben instrucción en ambos idiomas en la escuela de tal manera que desarrollan fluidez  en hablar, leer, entender y escribir en inglés y en español. Los estudiantes comienzan el programa en Pre-K y permanecen en el hasta el 5to grado. Hay un número limitado de vacantes para  admitir a los estudiantes en Kindergarten el programa ha dado resultados positivos en el desarrollo bilingüe de los niños. 
 
Dual Language Sites: PS #3 (K-5), PS #5 (K-5), PS #6 (K-2)
K-5 Curriculum
 
The Bilingual/ESL grades K-5 curricula allow multilingual learners to continue their educational experience in English Language Arts with customized lessons focusing on foundational reading skills that support their language acquisition skills and enhance their English language proficiency.  The courses have been designed for students whose language proficiencies span all levels: 1-Entering; 2-Emerging; 3-Developing; 4-Expanding; 5-Bridging; and 6-Reaching. In addition, the goals of each lesson are aligned with the NJ Student Learning Standards, WIDA Standards, and WIDA Can Do Descriptors and interactive learning activities designed to foster students’ language across the following domains: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Furthermore, each unit provides sample performance tasks incorporating 21st-century skills to facilitate interdisciplinary connections and foster global competence. 
6-8 Curriculum
 
The Bilingual/ESL grades 6-8 curricula allow multilingual learners to continue their educational experience in English Language Arts with customized lessons focusing on foundational reading skills that support their language acquisition skills and enhance their English language proficiency.  The courses have been designed for students whose language proficiencies span all levels: 1-Entering; 2-Emerging; 3-Developing; 4-Expanding; 5-Bridging; and 6-Reaching. In addition, the goals of each lesson are aligned with the NJ Student Learning Standards, WIDA Standards, and WIDA Can Do Descriptors and interactive learning activities designed to foster students’ language across the following domains: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Furthermore, each unit provides sample performance tasks that incorporate the use of basic 21st-century skills to facilitate interdisciplinary connections and foster global competence. 
High School Curriculum
 
The Bilingual/ESL grades 9-12 curricula allow multilingual learners to continue their educational experience in English Language Arts with customized lessons focusing on foundational reading skills that support their language acquisition skills and enhance their English language proficiency.  The courses have been designed for students whose language proficiencies span all levels: 1-Entering; 2-Emerging; 3-Developing; 4-Expanding; 5-Bridging; and 6-Reaching. In addition, the goals of each lesson are aligned with the NJ Student Learning Standards, WIDA Standards, and WIDA Can Do Descriptors and interactive learning activities designed to foster students’ language across the following domains: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Furthermore, each unit provides sample performance tasks incorporating basic 21st-century skills to facilitate interdisciplinary connections and foster global competence. 
 

All course descriptions can be found in the district HS course catalog.

 
District Approved Curriculum Resources

Website

Description
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Grades K-5:

Students in grades K-5 utilize the Benchmark Advance/ Adelante program which focuses on building literacy through phonics, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and writing practice. is a comprehensive English Language Arts program designed to help students develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Through a blend of engaging texts, interactive lessons, and hands-on activities, children are exposed to a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more.  With differentiated instruction, Benchmark Advance meets students at their individual learning levels, helping every child grow and succeed academically. Parents can expect their children to be challenged, supported, and inspired as they progress through the curriculum.
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Grades K-5:

Mystery Science is an interactive, inquiry-based program that brings science to life for students in grades K-5 through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and exciting videos. Aligned with state and national science standards, Mystery Science focuses on building critical thinking and problem-solving skills by guiding students through real-world mysteries and scientific phenomena.


The lessons are designed to spark curiosity with interactive storytelling and easy-to-understand explanations, making science accessible and fun for all learners. Each unit includes step-by-step activities that students can do in the classroom or at home with everyday materials, encouraging exploration and creativity. For parents, Mystery Science offers resources like activity guides, conversation starters, and overviews of what their child is learning, making it easier to stay informed and support science exploration at home.

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Grades K-8:

myON is a digital library that provides students in grades K-8 with access to thousands of books, including specially curated science reading lists designed to deepen understanding of key scientific concepts. These curated lists align with grade-level standards and focus on topics students explore in class, reinforcing their learning while sparking curiosity.


Students can choose from a wide range of engaging, high-quality science texts that complement classroom lessons and activities, helping them explore topics like weather, ecosystems, and engineering. Parents can easily stay involved through myON by tracking their child’s reading progress, accessing recommended reading lists, and engaging with discussion prompts provided for each book. With the ability to read anytime and anywhere, myON supports both literacy and science learning at home, empowering families to encourage their child’s growth and love for science.
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Grades 6-12:

National Geographic includes geography, archaeology, natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, along with the study of world culture and history. It also provides authentic multicultural literature and exclusive context, world-renowned stories, informational texts, and the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. This ensures that students will be engaged in the fundamental and developmental process of reading and writing.
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Grades 9-12:

Newsela is an online platform that transforms current events and social studies topics into engaging, standards-aligned articles tailored for different reading levels. In social studies classes, Newsela helps students explore informational texts while building critical reading and analytical skills.


Each article is available in multiple reading levels, ensuring that all students can access challenging content while growing their literacy skills. With content covering all social studies disciplines Newsela connects classroom learning to relevant, real-world topics. For parents, Newsela offers resources such as parent guides, discussion prompts, and access to the articles their child is reading, making it easier to stay involved and support learning at home.