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English Language Arts Standards

		Helping Students with Limited English Proficiency Meet the English Language Arts Standards In this section discussing the English Language Arts Standards, we will answer the following questions: What are the NYS Learning Standards? Which learning standards pertain to LEP students? What does NYSED require in the area of language arts? What kind of materials and books should students read? Where can I learn about effective instructional models and strategies? Where can I find other resources?
		What are the NYS Learning Standards? The New York State Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has launched several strategies as part of the state's educational reform agenda. Fundamental to this effort has been the establishment of 28 learning standards in seven disciplines: English Language Arts, Math Science and Technology, Social Studies, Health, Career Development and Occupational Studies, Languages Other than English, and the Arts. The learning standards form the foundation for what students must know and be able to do to as a result of being educated in NYS public schools. Central to the 28 standards are the four English Language Arts (ELA) standards. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response and expression. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction. Research on language learning makes it clear that language achievement depends upon the extent to which the learner is engaged in actual acts of reading, writing, listening, and speaking for meaningful purposes.
		Which learning standards pertain to LEP students? The 28 learning standards apply to all students, regardless of their experiential, linguistic, or cultural background, capabilities, or developmental and learning differences. In particular, the ELA standards are the standards that apply to ESL and native language arts. Bilingual and ESL teachers are expected to teach to these standards in ESL, English language arts, and native language arts.
		What does NYSED require in the area of language arts? Districts must ensure that ample and varied experiences with language are provided for all students, including LEP students, to enable them to use language effectively and meet the high standards set for English language arts. NYSED requires the following learning experiences for all students: Read a minimum of 25 books or their equivalent per year across all content areas. Write an average of 1000 words per month across all content areas. Listen on a daily basis for specific purposes across all content areas. Speak on a daily basis to investigate topics across all content areas. Language experiences in English and in the native language fulfill these requirements. The International Reading Association (IRA) proclaimed its support of literacy in the native language. See the IRA's resolution on "Initial Literacy Instruction in a First Language".
		What kind of materials and books should students read? A suggested list of reading materials for LEP students at all grade levels has been complied by the NYSED Office of Bilingual Education. It includes books and other reading materials in English and in several other languages. This list is in progress and will be expanded periodically.
		Where can I learn about instructional models and strategies that are effective for language arts and literacy development for second language learners? The National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education (NCBE) has a wealth of information on the education of LEP students.
		Where can I find other resources? The New York State Education Department will broadcast television programs for parents about the new 4th and 8th grade assessements. The first "Parent's Night" broadcast aired on Thursday, November 19. The second is scheduled to air on Thursday, April 8, 1999 from 6-7 p.m. Read the letter from Commissioner Richard P. Mills for details about the program and which stations will carry the live program. Copies of the NYS English Language Arts Core Curriculum and the English Language Arts Resource Guide are accessible on the Internet at the NYSED web site. The Center on English Learning & Achievement (CELA) researches what elements of curriculum, instruction, and assessment are essential to developing high literacy. This site contains information on what works, for whom, and under what conditions, and includes a publications catalogue.

 
 
More information on English Language Arts Standards will be added in the coming months.