Welcome,

Trenton Public Schools is proud to serve our Multilingual Learners (MLs) and their families. Our Bilingual/ESL Department ensures every student has access to high-quality instruction while developing English proficiency and maintaining pride in their home language and culture.

Program Overview

The Trenton Public Schools Bilingual/ESL Department is committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all Multilingual Learners (MLs). In alignment with the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 6A:15) and federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title III requirements, the district provides comprehensive language instruction programs that support both English language development and academic achievement across content areas.

Our program emphasizes the integration of language and content, the preservation of students’ cultural and linguistic identities, and the active engagement of families in the educational process.

Program Goals

1. Develop English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
2. Provide equitable access to grade-level curriculum across all content areas.
3. Promote biliteracy and cross-cultural competence.
4. Engage families as active partners in the educational process.
5. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing bilingual, ESL, and world language instruction.

Program Models Implemented

Trenton Public Schools offers a continuum of language support services based on students’ needs, grade levels, and program availability. Models include:

• Bilingual Education Program
  Full-time instruction in English and the student’s primary language. Students learn core subjects in both languages, receive ESL support, and study the culture and history of their heritage as well as the United States.
• Dual Language Immersion (DLI)
  Daily instruction in both English and a second language (at least 50% in the partner language). Students develop biliteracy and academic success in all content areas while receiving ESL instruction.
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
  Daily instruction focused on English listening, speaking, reading, and writing, aligned with WIDA standards. Lessons also include cultural connections to support language learning.
• Newcomer Support
  Specialized services for recently arrived immigrant students, including those with interrupted schooling, to help them adjust academically and socially.
• Sheltered English Instruction
  Content taught in English with strategies that make lessons clear and accessible for Multilingual Learners, even when teachers are not bilingual-certified.

Identification and Placement

• Home Language Survey (HLS): Administered at enrollment to identify potential Multilingual Learners.
• Initial WIDA Screener: Administered within 30 days of enrollment (or 14 days at the start of the school year) to determine English language proficiency.
• Placement: Based on screener results, academic background, and NJDOE criteria. Parents/guardians receive formal LIEP Notification Letters in their preferred language.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• WIDA Screener: Administered to new students upon enrollment to measure initial English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Results determine program placement and services.
• ACCESS for ELLs 2.0: Annual assessment of English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• District Benchmarks/State Assessments: Used to measure content-area achievement and monitor progress toward exiting from services.
• Exit Criteria: Students exit when they demonstrate English proficiency per NJDOE’s criteria (currently ACCESS overall composite 4.5+ and additional district measures).
• Monitoring: Students exited from ESL/Bilingual services are monitored for four years to ensure continued academic success.

Family and Community Engagement

• Translation and interpretation services are provided to ensure equitable access to information.
• Parent notification letters, program descriptions, and progress reports are distributed in home languages.
• The district offers parent workshops, information sessions, and bilingual family support to strengthen school–home partnerships.

Staffing and Professional Development

• All Bilingual and ESL teachers hold appropriate NJDOE certification.
• Professional development is provided on sheltered instruction, cultural responsiveness, WIDA standards, and effective instructional strategies for Multilingual Learners.
• Mainstream teachers receive training to support MLs in general education settings.

Schools and Services Offered