English as a New Language
ENL push-in
ENL teachers work inside the regular classroom, supporting students during literacy, math, or other content lessons.
Support Services
Multilingual Learners
P.S. 83 proudly serves many Multilingual Learners (ELL, ENL) and their families — building strong English skills while honoring every child's home language and culture.
Welcome message
P.S. 83 proudly serves many Multilingual Learners (also called English Language Learners/ELLs) and their families.
Our English as a New Language (ENL) program helps students develop strong English skills while valuing and building on their home languages and cultures.
What P.S. 83 offers Multilingual Learners
At P.S. 83, Multilingual Learners receive English language support in addition to their regular instruction.
Services are based on each child's English level and follow New York State and NYC Public Schools guidelines.
English language support services
Multilingual Learners receive support based on each child's English level. Depending on their needs, students may receive any combination of the following.
ENL small-group instruction
Pull-out & small-group
Students leave the classroom for a short period to work in a small group with an ENL teacher on listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
Dedicated ENL periods (if applicable)
Stand-alone ENL
Students receive a dedicated ENL lesson focused on language skills using age-appropriate content.
If available at P.S. 83
Home-language support
When possible, staff use students' home languages to clarify concepts and support learning while students develop English.
How students are identified as Multilingual Learners
New York State and NYC Public Schools use a step-by-step process to see if a student needs ENL services.
Home Language Identification Survey (HLIS)
Families of all newly enrolled students fill out a short survey about which language(s) are used at home.
NYSITELL
If the survey shows that a language other than English is spoken at home, the school gives the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL).
ELL/MLL identification and services
If the NYSITELL shows that your child would benefit from English support, they are identified as an English/Multilingual Learner and will receive ENL services at school.
NYSITELL: the first test and why it matters
What is NYSITELL?
The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) checks a new student's English skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Students who speak another language at home take NYSITELL within the first ten days of starting school in New York State.
Why is NYSITELL important for your child?
- It determines whether your child is officially identified as an English/Multilingual Learner.
- It decides the level of ENL support and services your child receives at P.S. 83.
What does the NYSITELL look like?
- Includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing tasks in English.
- Is given and scored by a qualified New York State educator at school.
Families get a notification letter with results and information about the ENL services offered.
NYSESLAT: the yearly test and why it matters
What is NYSESLAT?
The New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) is given every spring to all students who have been identified as English/Multilingual Learners. It measures how much English your child has learned over the school year.
What skills does NYSESLAT measure?
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
The test includes multiple-choice questions, short and longer writing responses, and oral responses to pictures or statements, similar to classroom tasks.
Why is NYSESLAT important for your child's services?
- The level helps decide how many minutes of ENL instruction your child receives and what kind of support is best.
- Results show strengths and areas to grow, helping teachers plan lessons and supports.
- When students reach certain NYSESLAT levels (for example, Commanding), they may exit ENL services and be considered former English Language Learners, with two years of additional monitoring and support.
NYSESLAT proficiency levels
Students receive one of these levels, showing how independently they can use English in school.
Entering
Emerging
Transitioning
Expanding
Commanding
Other tests that matter for ENL students
In addition to NYSITELL and NYSESLAT, Multilingual Learners also take the same state and city tests as their classmates, sometimes with accommodations.
- New York State ELA and Math exams (grades 3–5) — these tests measure grade-level reading, writing, and math skills; for some students, high NYSESLAT plus strong ELA scores can help them exit ENL services.
- Classroom assessments and school-based tests— teachers also use quizzes, classwork, reading assessments, and projects to understand your child's progress and adjust instruction.
How long students receive ENL services
Students continue to receive ENL services until their NYSESLAT and other test scores show that they have enough English to succeed in English-only classes.
After exiting, former English Language Learners receive up to two additional years of support and monitoring.
Partnering with families
P.S. 83 believes families are essential partners in supporting Multilingual Learners. We aim to communicate in a language you understand and help you access all services available to your child.
How P.S. 83 works with families
- Interpreters and translated documents available for family meetings, conferences, and important notices.
- Workshops or information sessions about ENL programs, testing, and how to help your child at home.
- Opportunities for families to ask questions and share feedback about ENL services.
How parents can support their child
- Keep using and developing your home language; strong skills in the first language help children learn English.
- Read with your child every day — in any language.
- Talk about school in your home language and encourage your child to explain what they are learning.
- Make sure your child attends school, especially during NYSITELL/NYSESLAT testing windows.
Helpful links
Citywide multilingual resources
Questions about ENL?
We are here to help your family
If you have questions about your child's English language services, testing, or how to help at home, reach out to the main office. Interpreters and translated documents are available for meetings and important notices.