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Peekskill City Schools

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Office of Multilingual Learner Programs

Mission: At PCSD we value and celebrate bi-literacy and multiculturalism. We strive to support students’ home language and culture by viewing them as assets while fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity.

Vision: Our vision is to support all emergent bilingual students to reach high levels of bilingualism, biliteracy and grade level academic achievement through a culturally responsive educational setting, preparing them to succeed in an ever growing global market.

Why do Bilingual programs exist today?
To provide English language learners with an equal access to education.

Contact Information

Dual Language Program

Dual Language is a form of education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages. They are considered  “additive” bilingual programs because they “add” a new language for students instead of an antiquated subtractive model that aims to extinguish a minority language and move a student to exclusively use English.

Dual language programs generally start in kindergarten, though at PCSD we offer dual language classes to our PreK students. These programs aim for bilingualism and biliteracy  (the ability to speak, listen, read and write fluently in two languages) in addition to academic achievement and cross-cultural competence. 

    • One-Way Dual Language refers to a class taught by a certified bilingual teacher and consists of English language learner students who all speak the same native tongue. One-way programs support one language group of students to become bilingual, bi-cultural, and bi-literate. In PCSD, students whose primary language is Spanish would learn in English and Spanish on alternating days (50/50 model).
    • Two-Way Dual Language refers to two classes taught by two different teachers (one Spanish speaking and on English speaking)  and consists of students who are English language learners and native English speakers. Two-way programs support two language groups of students to become bilingual, bi-cultural, and bi-literate. In PCSD,a mix of first language Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students would learn in both languages, alternating languages by day (50/50 model).
    • Side-by-Side refers to when students transition between two classrooms, an English zone and a Spanish zone. Instruction is delivered by two teachers, one who delivers instruction in English and another who delivers instruction in Spanish.

    •  Self Contained refers to when students receive instruction in English and Spanish in one room from one instructor who is qualified to deliver instruction in both languages.


       

    A graphic illustrating the goals of a dual language program, with three pillars representing key concepts.

  • Entrance Criteria
    All students who enter Peekskill CSD for the first time must complete a home language survey where parents are asked:

    • Is there another language spoken in the home?  If yes, what language?
    • Does the student speak a language other than English?  If yes, what  language?

    If the answer is yes to either one of these questions, the school’s ENL teacher determines if NYSESLAT scores from another district are available or if the student needs an informal questionnaire to determine if NYS’ NYSITELL exam should be given to the student.

    Program Eligibilty: Eligibility for English Learners/Native Spanish Speakers 
    Any bilingual student within the district identified as an English Language Learner (ELLs) by the New York State NYSITELL exam is automatically eligible for entry into the program for Kindergarten through Fifth grade. 

    Eligibility for Non-LEP/Native English Speaking Students
    Entry into the program for native English speakers is only allowed until the end of the first quarter in first grade. Native English speakers entering PCSD for the first time in grades 2-5 and who were part of a Dual Language program elsewhere will receive a Spanish language assessment to determine eligibility. 

    Eligibility for native English-speaking students is based on (but not limited to) the following criteria:

    • Parents must attend the Kindergarten Dual Language orientation (incoming K students) 
    • Parents must submit their interest for Kindergarten Dual Language to Woodside Elementary School and meet with the Woodside principal for an informal interview
    • Successful completion of the Spanish language assessment for students entering grades 2-5 who were previously enrolled in a dual language program in his/her former district.
    • Completion of the parent commitment form
    • Parent commitment and involvement, as defined in the parent commitment form
    • Available seats in dual language classrooms

    Request to Withdraw
    Research shows that it takes at least 7-10 years to become biliterate. Therefore, in a Dual Language Program, students and families who have been accepted into the program have made a long-term commitment to remain in the program through fifth grade. Requests to withdraw will only be considered under extenuating circumstances, and must go through a decision committee that will include the classroom teacher(s), building leader, and the Director of language programs. Once a native English-speaking student has been withdrawn, they will not be re-admitted into the program.

  • Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
    Peekskill  is proud to offer the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB). High School Seniors pursue this prestigious endeavor by earning points in both English and any other World Language during their time at Peekskill High School.

    Click here to see the criteria to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB).
    Click here to see the official website of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB).

English as a New Language Program

Instruction in this program, formerly known as English as a Second Language (ESL), emphasizes English language acquisition. In an ENL program, language arts and content-area instruction are taught in English using specific ENL instructional strategies. Some content area classes are Integrated ENL classes.  Students receive core content area and English language development instruction, including the use of the home/primary language as support and appropriate ELL instructional supports to enrich comprehension. Integrated ENL classes are taught by a teacher dually certified in the content area and ENL or are co-taught by a certified content area teacher and a certified ENL teacher. In a Stand-alone ENL class, students receive English language development instruction taught by a NYS-certified teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in order to acquire the English language needed for success in core content areas. This program typically serves ELL students from many different home/primary language backgrounds whose only common language is English and therefore cannot participate in a bilingual program. (New York State Department of Education).

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