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Fulton City School District ENL team outlines supports for 65 English learners
Summary
District ENL teachers told the board they serve 65 students in grades K–12, detailed instructional models and family supports, and said state English‑learner assessments will transition to WIDA next school year.
Superintendent Watts introduced members of the district’s English as a New Language (ENL) team, who described how they support students and families across Fulton City School District.
"ENL stands for English as a New Language and we are a specialized educational program for students whose first language is not English," ENL teacher Laura Elliston said, describing instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening and the program’s goal of improving English proficiency. Presenters said the district currently serves 65 ENL students in grades K–12 and that 13 students are at the highest ('commanding') level and expected to exit formal ENL services in June.
Teachers described two service models used in the district: a stand‑alone model in which certified ENL teachers pull out entering and emerging students for small‑group instruction, and an integrated model in which ENL teachers push into content classes to support students based on need. The team said students with lower proficiency receive more dedicated ENL minutes, while expanding and commanding students receive more in‑class support with co‑teachers.
Presenters summarized local monitoring and state assessment practices and said New York’s current identification and achievement assessments for English learners will transition to the WIDA assessment system next school year, per the district presentation. The team reported that 83 percent of students tested in consecutive years showed improvement in English development.
The ENL team also described family engagement tools used by the district—ParentSquare for multilingual communication and Propio for phone‑based outreach—and said bilingual tutoring helps families with registration, transportation and school routines. Staff said they are working to finalize a family handbook and create recognition events for students who reach proficiency milestones.
Board members asked whether students continue to receive support after 'exiting' ENL services. An ENL teacher said staff maintain relationships and families know whom to contact for help; supports are available even after formal services end. The presentation closed with board appreciation for student achievement and the ENL team's outreach efforts.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; it was informational and intended to update trustees on program operations and outcomes.
