ICT classes for ELLs/MLLs

Since students who are English language learners or multilingual learners (ELLs/MLLs) may be assigned to ICT classes, the question of who is qualified to provide Integrated English as a New Language services in an ICT setting often arises. State regulations provide two ways to provide integrated ENL services. The first is similar to the ICT model: the service can be provided by two teachers, one a licensed general education or content area teacher and one a licensed teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages. Alternatively, the regulations allow the service to be provided by a general education/content area teacher who is "dually certified" in ESOL. Note that teachers dually certified in special education and ESOL are not qualified to deliver integrated English as a New Language (ENL) services to students with or without disabilities.

Guidance on dually certified teachers for ESOL and special education

NYSED recently clarified that dually certified teachers with General Education and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) certifications are permitted to deliver English as a New Language (ENL) services to students with and without disabilities in integrated settings. However, a dually certified teacher in Students with Disabilities and ESOL is not permitted to provide the ENL services. This is because ENL is considered a general education service and not a special education service. A different rule applies for Special Education teachers who possesses a Bilingual Extension; such teachers are able to provide ENL within a Bilingual Special Education setting.

As per NYSED Commissioner’s Regulations:

Part 154 indicates: “Personnel qualified to teach Integrated English as a New Language shall mean a dually certified teacher, certified pursuant to Part 80 of this Title, (i.e., English to Speakers of Other Languages certification and content area certification) or a certified English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher and a certified content area teacher, certified pursuant to Part 80 of this Title, who co-teach a class.”

Part 200 indicates: “Special Education teacher means a person, including an itinerant teacher, certified or licensed to teach students with disabilities pursuant to Part 80 of this title, who is providing special education to the student.”

For questions or additional information, please refer to the NYCPS Policy and Reference Guide for Multilingual Learners/English Language Learners or contact your B/CO MLL/ELL Director.