ESL / Bilingual Program
Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology (PCSST) is committed to supporting multilingual learners in developing English language proficiency while providing meaningful access to grade-level academic instruction.
PCSST provides English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual instructional services designed to support language development and academic achievement in accordance with applicable federal and New Jersey requirements.
Multilingual Learner Identification and Services
Students are identified for multilingual learner services through the state-required identification process, including the Home Language Survey, records review, and English language proficiency screening, as applicable.
Eligible multilingual learners receive appropriate language instruction and support based on their English language proficiency and educational needs.
Curriculum Alignment
The PCSST K–12 ESL curriculum is aligned with the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework and supports students’ access to grade-level instruction aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS).
Instruction integrates English language development with academic content and supports growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. ESL teachers collaborate with general education and content-area teachers to provide appropriate scaffolds, differentiation, and language supports based on students’ English language proficiency and instructional needs.
View the PCSST K–12 ESL Curriculum
WIDA ACCESS
Multilingual learners participate annually in the state-required WIDA ACCESS English language proficiency assessment, or Alternate ACCESS when applicable.
ACCESS measures students’ English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Results are used, along with other required information, to monitor English language development and inform instructional and program decisions.
Kindergarten Bilingual Resource + ESL Program
PCSST provides a Bilingual Resource + ESL program model in Kindergarten.
The bilingual resource teacher provides targeted linguistic and academic support using English and students’ primary language, as appropriate, while the ESL teacher provides English language development instruction.
The bilingual resource, ESL, and general education teachers collaborate to support multilingual learners’ language development and access to grade-level instruction.
ESL Program – Grades 1–12
Eligible multilingual learners in Grades 1–12 receive ESL instruction and support designed to develop English language proficiency and provide access to grade-level academic content.
ESL instruction may be provided through push-in and/or pull-out models based on student needs and program requirements.
ESL Program Handbook
The PCSST ESL Program Handbook provides additional information regarding multilingual learner identification, programming, services, assessment, family communication, and program procedures.
View the PCSST ESL Program Handbook
Contact
For questions regarding the PCSST ESL and Bilingual Program, please contact:
Mrs. Hurisa Guvercin
District Director of Bilingual/ESL Programs
Email: hurisa.guvercin@pcsst.org
