A Look at the Ramifications of Part 154 Changes to ELL Education

In 2015, the Board of Regents adopted amendments to Part 154 of the Commissioner’s Regulations regarding Bilingual Education and English as a New Language (ENL) programs. These amendments imposed significant requirements on school districts and educators regarding the instruction, assessment, program placement, and services for English Language Learners/ Multilingual Learners (ELLs/MLLs). The amendments also mandated new professional learning requirements for educators in the effort to provide English learners with opportunities to achieve the same educational goals and standards established for all students. Though well-intentioned, not all the changes have been beneficial. For the past five years, NYSUT has periodically sought feedback from members on the implications these changes have had on students as well as on teaching and learning in the classroom.

What process is in place to review the efficacy of changes that are made? How have the changes affected the landscape of ELL instruction across the state? What unintended consequences are arising as a result of the changes? What method of communication has been established to get a pulse from the field and correct the unanticipated problems?

Note: This report includes a helpful infographic on co-teaching.