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Clifton Public Schools

A Community of Learners

Schools

State & Federal Mandates

Bilingual / ESL / World Languages

Bilingual / ESL / World Languages

Clifton Public Schools is committed to preparing students to become bilingual, biliterate, and globally competitive citizens. Through our Bilingual, ESL, and World Language programs, students gain proficiency in English and additional languages while building the cultural understanding and academic skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

We proudly serve a diverse community of more than 1,400 Multilingual Learners who speak over 50 home languages. Our programs support students in developing strong communication skills, excelling academically, and embracing pride in their cultural identities.

Our goal is for all students to become bilingual, biliterate, and confident global citizens who are ready to study, work, and collaborate in a diverse and connected world.

We aim for all students to become:

  • Bilingual - able to communicate in more than one language
  • Biliterate - able to read and write in more than one language
  • Global citizens - prepared to study, work, and collaborate in an interconnected world

Bilingual and ESL Programs (Multilingual Learners)

Who We Serve

These programs support students whose first language is not English and who need additional help building English proficiency.

What Our Programs Provide

Our instruction:

  • Follows the New Jersey Student Learning Standards
  • Uses the WIDA English Language Development Standards
  • Focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing
  • Helps students learn grade-level content while developing English

All teachers are trained in SIOP (Sheltered Instruction), and ESL Resource Teachers support classrooms across the district.

    • Spanish bilingual programs at Schools 12, 13, and 17. 
    • Ukrainian bilingual program at School 12.
    • Turkish bilingual program at School 13.
    • Arabic bilingual program at School 14.
    • ESL support for speakers of other languages
    • Services provided through push-in and pull-out instruction

    • High-intensity ESL classes
    • Sheltered support in content areas
    • Continued world language exposure (Spanish and French)

  • Multilingual Learners may receive:

    • 2–3 periods of ESL instruction daily
    • Classes focused on academic English
    • Language support in content classes using SIOP strategies

    Students can also:

    • Study Spanish, French, or Italian
    • Earn college credits through FDU Early College
    • Pursue the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy

  • All Multilingual Learners in grades K–12 take the WIDA ACCESS 2.0 every February.

    Testing Dates Information: Assessment Dates

     

    ACCESS measures:

    • Listening
    • Speaking
    • Reading
    • Writing


    Scores range from 1.0 to 6.0, and New Jersey’s exit requirement is an overall score of 4.5 or higher.

    ACCESS meets federal ESSA requirements and helps monitor each student’s progress in English.

     

    WIDA English Proficiency Levels (K–12)

    Clifton uses the WIDA framework to understand how students develop English over time. The following six levels guide instruction and support:

    • Level 1 – Entering: Beginning to understand and use single words or simple phrases
    • Level 2 – Beginning: Using simple sentences and everyday vocabulary
    • Level 3 – Developing: Producing longer sentences and basic paragraphs
    • Level 4 – Expanding: Understanding and using more complex academic language
    • Level 5 – Bridging: Communicating confidently with minimal support
    • Level 6 – Reaching: Using English at levels comparable to native English-speaking peers

     

    WIDA Performance Definitions 

World Language Programs

Clifton Public Schools believes that learning an additional language enriches every student’s academic journey and prepares them for a global future. Our World Language program:

  • Follows the ACTFL World Readiness Standards
  • Aligns with the New Jersey Department of Education World Language Standards
  • Emphasizes real-world communication, cultural understanding, and global awareness

From the very first day, students are immersed in listening to and speaking the target language. Instruction focuses on what students can do with language, encouraging natural acquisition through meaningful activities, rich cultural experiences, and consistent communication practice.

As students progress, they develop strong skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. With seven years of study, students can reach advanced levels of proficiency aligned with ACTFL benchmarks, preparing them to thrive in multilingual and multicultural environments.

ACTFL World Readiness Standards Overview

  • Students build a foundation in Spanish and develop early cultural awareness.

  • Students explore Spanish and French, preparing them to choose a language for high school.

  • Students can study:

    • Spanish
    • French
    • Italian

     

    Graduates are expected to reach Intermediate Mid proficiency on the ACTFL scale.

    Proficiency Ice Cream Cone

  • Clifton High School offers:

    • French Honor Society
    • Italian Honor Society
    • Spanish Honor Society


    ​​​​​​​Eligibility:

    • 10th Grade and Third consecutive year of the language
    • A in world language courses
    • B average or higher in other classes
    • Continued commitment to the language

  • Language study promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and global awareness while reinforcing skills in other disciplines:

    Language Arts/English

    • Strengthen communication skills

    • Integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking

    Social Studies

    • Build global awareness and civic engagement

    Science

    • Develop inquiry and data analysis skills

    • Explore scientific ideas through global perspectives

    Technology and Computer Education

    • Conduct online research about products and practices worldwide

    • Collaborate digitally with native speakers
    • Use technology to solve real-world problems

    21st Century Life and Careers

    • Explore careers requiring multilingual and multicultural skills

    Visual and Performing Arts

    • Study artistic traditions from other cultures

    • Use global perspectives to inspire creative expression

    Health Education

    • Compare cultural understandings of physical, emotional, and social wellness

  • Kean University – Project Adelante for ML Students

    Provides Spanish-speaking Multilingual Learners with:

    • Saturday academic classes
    • Summer enrichment
    • College readiness support

     

    Fairleigh Dickinson University – Early College Dual Enrollment for World Languages

    Allows high school students to earn college credits through approved world language courses taught at CHS.

  • Quarterly K-12 ESL Parent Meetings (Virtual & School 12) - Email Notifications

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