Bilingual Assessments
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
The Ministry of Education provides funding for schools to offer English language programmes to students who have English as an additional language. ESOL programmes are designed to help students develop their English language skills so they can start meeting the achievement objectives of English in the New Zealand Curriculum.
For general information on English language learners, visit English of Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on the Ministry of Education website.
RTLB role with English Language Learners
Migrant and refugee background students with special education needs, including those who receive ESOL funding, are entitled to special education services available in New Zealand schools. They would need to meet the eligibility criteria for that particular service, for example:
- RTLB and RT Lit support
- Speech language therapy
- ORS funding.
International fee-paying students are not eligible for these services.
The Bilingual Assessment
A bilingual assessment can distinguish whether an ESOL student has language learning needs or additional special learning and social/emotional needs, through a dual assessment in their first language and English.
The Migrant, Refugee, and International Education Team at the Ministry of Education has trained RTLB as lead bilingual assessors. The RTLB: Lead Assessors work with a bilingual assistant in the child’s first language to determine if further support is needed for the student over and above the language learning needs. This may include learning and behaviour support by a RTLB. Lead Assessors are spread across the regions and assess students across clusters.
Visit Bilingual Assessment Service (BAS) for further information including eligibility, frequently asked questions, and application forms on the Ministry of Education website.
Contact
| Team | Migrant, Refugee and International Education Team |
|---|---|
| Contact person | Tjitske Hunter (Senior Advisor, ESOL) |
| Phone | 09 632 9356 |
| | tjitske.hunter@minedu.govt.nz |