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English Language Learners

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The Boston Public Schools has made high quality instruction for English language learners a top priority. The BPS provides many choices and services to help these students learn English quickly as they study literature, writing, math, science, history/social studies, and the arts.

Who is an English language learner?

English language learners (ELLs) are students who do not speak English or whose native language is not English, and who are not yet able to do ordinary schoolwork in English. These students also may be called “limited English proficient” (LEP). About 11,000 students in the BPS (19% of all BPS students) are in programs for English language learners.

How are students placed in ELL programs?

Every child entering a district for the first time must complete a home language survey. If the survey indicates that the child might qualify for ELL services, the district must assess the child’s English proficiency (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Parents and guardians of children who qualify for ELL services have the legal right to be informed of the programs available in a way they can understand (in terms of medium and language) and to then choose the program they (parent or guardian) believes best fits their child’s needs.

In Boston Pubic Schools, the program assignments among which parents/guardians of ELL students can choose include:

  • Sheltered English Immersion
  • Two-way Immersion
  • Transitional Bilingual Education
  • “Opting out”: Parents/guardians choose to have their children opt out of these programs, but ELL students in regular education are still eligible to receive additional support services.

What formal programs does BPS offer for English language learners?

The BPS has several types of ELL programs:

Sheltered English Immersion: The goals of SEI programs are the development of English proficiency, content knowledge, and academic language skills sufficient to prepare students for success in mainstream classes with no ELL services. Sheltered English Immersion programs provide two services: English Language Development in accordance with a child’s English proficiency level, taught by an ESL-certified teacher. The other part is sheltered content classes taught by a teacher who has completed a minimum of 70 hours of professional development in four specific SEI categories. State law Chapter 71A requires that all ELLs receive Sheltered English Immersion unless they request a waiver.

Transitional Bilingual Education: The goals of TBE programs are to develop content knowledge, academic language skills and proficiency in English and the home language. TBE programs also develop students’ oral home language skills and sometimes their home language literacy skills. Transitional Bilingual Education programs service English Language Learners who all speak the same home language, generally for three years or less. TBE programs provide content instruction in a Sheltered English Immersion program for the first 30 days of instruction. After the 30 days, parents or school staff may request a change to a TBE program. Students in TBE programs need a signed waiver from their parent/guardian acknowledging that the parent has specifically requested a TBE program.

Native Language Literacy is a special kind of TBE program for eligible students in grade 4 through high school entering the BPS with little or no literacy in their native language because they were not able to go to school in their native country, or because their schooling was interrupted. Waiver required; see below.

Two-Way Immersion Programs: The goals of TWI programs are to develop content knowledge and bilingual/bi-literate academic language skills (in English and the target language). Two-Way Immersion programs provide 50%, or more, of instruction in the target language and the remaining instruction in English. TWI programs service both English home speakers learning the target language and ELLs learning English. No waiver required.

Do children under age 10 have any options besides Sheltered English Immersion?

Yes. Parents may apply for a “waiver” if they think their child would make better progress and learn English more quickly in Transitional Bilingual Education.

What is the process for getting a waiver for children under age 10?

1. The student must be in a Sheltered English Immersion class for at least 30 days before the parent can apply.

2. The parent must visit the school to request the waiver. At that time, the principal gives the parent full information on ELL programs. Information should be in a language the parent understands.

3. If the principal agrees that the student should have a waiver, the principal must state in writing his or her reasons for recommending the waiver.

4. Both the principal and the school superintendent must authorize the waiver.

Is there a waiver process for older students?

Yes. For students ages 10 and older, the law allows waivers from Sheltered English Immersion when the principal and teachers believe that the student would make better academic progress and learn English more quickly in Transitional Bilingual Education. The student does not have to be in an SEI class for 30 days, and the superintendent does not need to approve the waiver request. The principal will give the parent a waiver form to sign.

For more information on English Language Learning

  • BPS Office of English Language Learners, 617-635-9435
    Programs for English language learners (ELL), language testing, waivers from the Sheltered English Immersion requirement, and rights of parents of ELL students.
  • BPS School, Family & Community Engagement Bilingual Outreach Specialists, 617-635-7750
    Information on how to get involved at your child’s school.