The world is becoming smaller as a result of how fast information travels, and communication among people is constantly increasing in importance.  The more languages a person can communicate in, the more successful he or she will be because languages open doors. The knowledge of other languages also has many rewards and offers many opportunities in the fields of international business, law, medicine, politics, and travel. The study of languages also leads to a better comprehension of the English language and grammar, and to an increased understanding of other people and cultures.

In Glen Cove, students begin the study of a language other than English in grade 7. Sixth graders receive a Language Selection Form during the second half of the year in which they indicate their first and second preference for the language to be studied the following year.  Currently, we offer Spanish and Italian to students entering the study of another language.  

In Glen Cove, there are more than 500 English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades K-12. They were either born in the United States or in another country. The countries represented by our ELLs are: El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Domincan Republic, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and China. The languages are: Spanish, Haitian, Russian, Arabic, Urdu and Chinese.    

Our ELLs learn a number of important things both in the ENL and content area classes.  They learn Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) which allow them to communicate and carry out conversations with other English-speaking people as well as fulfill basic tasks. They also learn Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) which allows them to function in English in an academic setting. 

Here in Glen Cove, we embrace our ELL population because we value diversity and because we know that it takes a great deal of courage, effort and hard work to migrate to a different country-especially if another language is spoken-do well in school, make new friends and start anew.

A transitional bilingual program is offered at the K-2 level.

NYS Seal of Biliteracy

What is the NYSSB? The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) is an award given to high school graduates who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The NYSSB encourages the study of languages, affirms the value of diversity in a multilingual society, and provides universities and future employers with additional information about applicants. 

More information for students: click here

More information for parents: click here

¿Qué es el Sello de Bilingüismo del Estado de Nueva York (New York State Seal of Biliteracy, NYSSB)? El Sello de Bilingüismo del Estado de Nueva York (NYSSB) es un reconocimiento que se da a los graduados de la escuela secundaria que han demostrado un nivel alto de habilidad en inglés y en uno o más idiomas mundiales. El NYSSB fomenta el estudio de idiomas, valora la diversidad y las culturas de los pueblos del mundo y proporciona a las universidades y los futuros empleadores más información sobre nuestros estudiantes. 

Más información para los estudiantes: haga clic

Más información para las familias: haga clic

New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL)

The purpose of the NYSITELL is to assess the English language level of new students whose home or primary language is other than English. Your child’s score on the NYSITELL (Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, or Commanding) will determine if he or she is entitled to receive English Language Learner (ELL) services and will determine the level of English language support. The results will also help teachers plan the best program for your child based on his or her strengths and needs in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.

Albanian

Arabic

Bengali

Chinese

English

Portuguese

Russian

Spanish

Ukrainian

New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)

The NYSESLAT is given to all students who are identified as English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs) by the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL). The purpose of the NYSESLAT is to annually assess the English language proficiency level of ELLs and MLs enrolled in Grades K–12 in New York State schools. The test gives the state, schools, parents, and teachers important information about the English language development of ELLs and MLs.

Albanian

Arabic

Bengali

Chinese

English

Portuguese

Russian

Spanish

Ukrainian

In 2022-2023, students participated in Glen Cove's first annual Spanish and Italian Spelling Bees. On each day, students were given words in Spanish and Italian, with increasing levels of difficulty in each round, and they showcased their orthography skills in a second language!

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