City taking bold steps for English Language Learners

As a former English Language Learner (ELL), I know that a good education makes all the difference in the world. Like many students in the Bronx, I grew up in a bilingual, bicultural family. When I was 12, I emigrated from the Dominican Republic and like any newcomer, I struggled to hold to my traditions while finding my footing in a new land.  

About 150,000 students in our public schools are ELLs — in the Bronx, we serve nearly 40,000 ELLs and I know that maintaining your cultural identity while learning a new one is challenging and also critical. Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, a daughter of Spanish immigrants, shares my sentiments and under her leadership, she created a stand-alone division solely dedicated to ELLs to promote equity by increasing opportunities and access to resources and educational programs. 

We know that students learn from the diverse experiences and cultures of their fellow students, and it’s important that our schools reflect the diversity of our city, which is why this fall, we opened nearly 50 new and expanded dual-language and transitional bilingual education programs across the five boroughs. Bilingual programs offer students the opportunity to acquire fluency in two languages and, at the same time, foster respect and appreciation for cultures. 

Expanding bilingual programs support ELLs in gaining language proficiency in English and their native language. We’ve expanded teacher training opportunities to support educators in deepening their understanding of second-language acquisition and implementing high quality bilingual programs. This is a critical step towards making rigorous and challenging courses the norm and providing ongoing support to educators teaching ELLs. 

I am proud of the progress we have made and we will continue to take bold steps, ensuring equity and excellence in education for all ELLs.