In New York City (NYC), we provide bilingual programs (Transitional Bilingual Education and Dual Language) that strengthen students’ native language development and content knowledge while they transition to English. These programs must include the necessary English as a Second Language (ESL), Native Language Arts (NLA), and English Language Arts (ELA) instructional units according to state law.

We also provide English as a Second Language (ESL) programs that use various strategies, sometimes with native language support, so students develop language and content knowledge in English. These programs must include the necessary ESL and ELA instructional units.

For all ELL programs, the number of ESL, NLA and ELA instructional units provided is based on English proficiency and all units must be standards-based. To view state learning standards available on the New York State Department of Education Web site, click the language arts area of interest: ESL, NLA, ELA.