Buchanan Brook teachers describe co‑teaching pilot that keeps ENL students in first‑grade classroom

At the Nov. 5 Hendrick Hudson Board of Education meeting, Buchanan Brook/Plank Elementary School teachers described a co‑teaching pilot that integrates English‑language (ENL) support into first‑grade classrooms rather than pulling students out for separate instruction. Dr. Cynthia Kramer, principal of Buchanan Brook/Plank Elementary School, introduced two first‑grade teachers and an ENL teacher and said the model is intended to “address the needs of all the students.”

Teachers said the classroom uses the district’s Into Reading curriculum for all students and that ENL minutes required by the state are delivered in‑class. “It’s just amazing to see them grow this year,” one teacher said while showing photos and short videos of whole‑group and small‑group activities. The team described vocabulary work, a “hot seat” charades activity and structured partner talk as ways students practice new words and language in context.

Presenters and the principal emphasized two practical benefits: reducing instructional disruption caused when students are pulled out of class, and increasing peer collaboration. “When we’re all together in a classroom, all students have the same opportunity,” a teacher said, noting that students hear both academic language and conversational language and “they mesh way better.” Teachers also said required ENL minutes are still met through in‑class small groups during independent or small‑group work time.

The teachers and principal requested that the board and community consider the model a point of pride and noted they would welcome district support to expand and study the model. The presentation included a reminder that the district has shared photos and materials; school staff also noted that families received student reports and that videos and printable resources for classroom games will be made available on the district website.