Billerica ESL

Welcome to the Billerica Public Schools English as a Second Language (ESL) Department

The Billerica ESL Department welcomes all English Language Learners (ELLs) and their families. Billerica is home to hundreds of students whose first language is not English. At present, we provide direct English tutoring to approximately 90 ELLs from all over the world speaking more than twenty-five different languages.

The emphasis of the English as a Second Language curriculum is teaching fundamental English skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. The goal of the ESL Department is to aid all ELLs in becoming proficient in the English language as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We have made tremendous strides to ensure that our ELLs are taught in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations including the Civil Rights Act.

What is the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program?

In 2002, the voters of Massachusetts elected to have all public school English Language Learners (ELLs) in Massachusetts learn English in English speaking classrooms as opposed to learning English in classrooms taught by teachers in their native language.  In the English as a Second Language Program ELLs in Massachusetts are immersed in English speaking classrooms.  All communities in Massachusetts are required by law to provide English classes to non-English speaking students, thereby giving all students access to the curriculum.

How does my child enroll in the English as a Second Language Program?

All parents/guardians enrolling their children in the Billerica Public School System fill out a Home Language Survey as part of the registration process.  The survey asks if a language other than English is spoken at home.  If English is not the only language spoken at home, the child will be assessed to see if English support is needed.  In Billerica, the LAS assessment is given to determine a child’s English proficiency.   Based on the results of the assessment, the child may be enrolled in the English as a Second Language program.

How often will my child receive ESL services?

Services are based upon the child’s English proficiency.  Beginning students (students just learning to speak English) receive two hours of ESL instruction every day.  Intermediate students receive one hour of ESL instruction every day.  Transitioning students (students who have improved their English skills to the point where they are nearly at the level of native English speaking students) receive one-half hour of instruction every day.

When are ESL classes given?

ESL instruction is provided during the school day.  ELLs leave their classrooms and go to the ESL classroom in their school for instruction.  The schools providing ESL instruction are the Ditson Elementary School, the Hajjar Elementary School, the Marshall Middle School, and the Billerica Memorial High School.

If my child is on an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or special education plan will my child receive ESL services?

Yes.  Children on an IEP continue to receive ESL services along with any other academic support outlined in their IEP.

What if ESL services are not offered in the school where my child is registered?

Currently the Billerica Public School System provides ESL services at the Ditson Elementary School, the Hajjar Elementary School, the Marshall Middle School and the Billerica Memorial High School.  If your child is supposed to be registered in a school other than these schools and your child requires ESL services, your child will be enrolled in a school which provides ESL services.  Which school your child will attend depends on the district in which you live and your child’s grade.

Can I refuse ESL services for my child?

Yes.  If your child qualifies for ESL services and for some reason you choose to decline those services, you may sign a waiver stating you do not wish your child to attend ESL classes.

How long will my child be in an ESL program?

An ELL will receive ESL support as long as he/she needs it.  ELLs will remain in the ESL program until they have achieved “Transitioning” level.  Transitioning means the ELL has become proficient enough in his/her reading, writing, listening and speaking English skills to remain in the classroom without support.  The decision to transition a student out of the ESL program will be made by looking at the ELL’s report card from his/her class, his/her MEPA results, and his/her MCAS scores as well as discussing the ELL’s progress with the ELL’s classroom teacher, ESL tutor and the ESL Curriculum Coordinator.

What is the MEPA and when is it given?

The Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment (MEPA) is a standardized test given by the state of Massachusetts to Assess a student’s progress in the acquisition of the English language.  The MEPA assesses reading comprehension and writing skills.  The MEPA is used, in part, as a tool to level ELLs for the amount of services each needs.

The MEPA is given in the Fall for new students and in the Spring for all ELLs.

Does my child receive grades for his/her ESL classes?

No.  Grades are not assessed to ELLs for ESL classes.  ELLs are given progress reports, however, when progress reports are given by their classroom teachers.  Progress reports usually go home half way through each marking period.

The ESL progress reports assess a ELL’s progress in four areas: speaking English, comprehending spoken English, reading English text and writing in English.  ELL’s are leveled as Beginning, Early Intermediate, Intermediate and finally Transitioning.  ELL’s who achieve Transitioning status are ready to move out of the ESL program.   All assessments are made by the ELL’s ESL tutors and are based upon the students’ progress in ESL classes.