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.

Elementary (K-5)

Middle School (6-8)

High School (9-12)

ACCESS for MLs: Annual English Language Assessment

All Multilingual Learners in grades K–12 take the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 every February.

Testing Dates Information: https://wida.wisc.edu/about/consortium/nj

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