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English Language Learners

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Newcomers AcademyAn Important Message for Families of English Language Learners

Read about Newcomers Academy.

The Boston Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all of our students — including those who are not yet fluent in English — receive the best education possible. By law, all school-aged English language learners (ELLs) are eligible for English as a Second Language (ESL) support to help them become fluent English speakers. Programs that serve limited English proficient students must be based on sound educational theory, must be carried out with adequate, qualified staff and materials, and must be effective in helping students learn English. To better meet these requirements and provide an excellent education for all of our students who are learning English, the Office of English Language Learners is making immediate, major improvements to Boston Public Schools programs for English language learners.

How are we strengthening programs for English language learners?

  • We have increased the capacity of programs just for English language learners (ELLs).
  • We are working toward establishing SEI programs in schools that are closer to the communities where students live.
  • We have changed student assignment rules for ELLs. As of January 2010, all English language learners will be offered SEI programming and guaranteed language development services.
  • We are preparing more teachers to effectively teach our English language learners.
  • We are identifying and purchasing appropriate materials to better serve English language learners.
  • We have opened Newcomers’ Academy to serve newly arrived, high school age English language learners, and expanded language testing and counseling about school choices at the Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center.
  • We are working to create and maintain a welcoming school climate for English language learners.

What is Sheltered English Instruction?

Sheltered English Instruction provides the strongest supports for English language learners. Students identified as English language learners should strongly consider a Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) program.

In all SEI classroom, students study English as a Second Language (ESL) as well as mathematics, science, history/social studies, reading and writing. The courses, books and materials are designed specifically for English language learners to meet state curriculum standards.

There are two types of SEI language programs:

SEI Language-Specific Programs for students whose home language is Spanish, Haitian, Cape Verdean, Chinese or Vietnamese

  • All students in these programs speak the same language.
  • Bilingual/bicultural staff are available to students and their families in these Language-Specific programs.
  • Classes are provided in English as a Second Language (ESL).
  • Courses are specifically designed and delivered for learning content and English based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
  • Additional instructional materials are used to support the English language and content development of ELLs.

SEI Programs for students from various linguistic backgrounds

  • All students in these programs are from various linguistic backgrounds.
  • Classes are provided in English as a Second Language (ESL).
  • Courses are specifically designed and delivered for learning content and English based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
  • Additional instructional materials are used to support the English language and content development of ELLs.

What happens if I don’t choose a program for English language learners for my child?

We believe that a Sheltered English Instruction program is the best option for English language learners to learn English and move successfully into general education (English only) classes when they are ready. ELL students who choose a general education program will still receive English language development services. The Office of English Language Learners will continue to recommend language programming to families of ELLs who do not show progress in general education.

Where can English language learners and their families go for help?

  • Family Resource Center (FRC) staff are trained to help families make informed decisions. Click here for contact information, locations and hours.
  • The BPS Newcomers Assessment & Counseling Center provides individual counseling and support. Click here for contact information, locations and hours.