Student Services

The Office of Student Services oversees special education, English as a New Language (ENL), students in temporary housing, and DASA (the Dignity for All Students Act).

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

The goal of DASA is to create a safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and focus, rather than fear being discriminated against and/or verbally and/or physically harassed.

The Dignity Act states that no student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or expression.

• View more information about DASA.

Students in Temporary Housing

The Liberty Central School District provides support to students in temporary living situations under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Eligible students receive benefits such as immediate school enrollment, transportation assistance, and access to free meal programs, with dedicated district contacts available to help families navigate these resources.

• View more information about Students in Temporary Housing.

English as a New Language (ENL)

The Liberty Central School District offers the English as a New Language program, known as ENL.

ENL is a type of educational program designed to teach English language skills to students whose native language is not English, focusing on helping them acquire the necessary English proficiency to participate fully in mainstream classrooms, often utilizing support from their native language when needed. LCSD’s ENL program’s main focus is language acquisition, where the goal is to develop students’ English skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Instruction is tailored to individual needs and cultural backgrounds. Instruction is provided alongside academic subjects and English stand-alone classes as required, with teachers using strategies to support comprehension in English. The amount of ENL instruction time is determined by a screening process.

• View the K-8 ENL instruction time requirements.
• View the 9-12 ENL instruction time requirements.

This program is for students who are limited English proficient. According to Part 154 Amendment to Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, limited English proficient (LEP) students are identified as:

Pupils who, by reason of foreign birth or ancestry, speak a language other than English and:

• Understand and speak little or no English or
• Score below the statewide reference point on an English language assessment instrument.

Testing is required for all students enrolled in an ENL program.

New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners is administered within 10 days of the student enrolling in school. Its purpose is to assess the English language level of new students whose home or primary language is other than English. The score on the NYSITELL (Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, Expanding, or Commanding) will determine if he or she is entitled to receive English as a New Language services, and if they are entitled to services, the amount of language support services. The results will also help teachers plan the best program for the student based on his or her strengths and needs in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.

New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test is administered to all students in the spring who receive ENL services. The purpose of the NYSESLAT is to annually assess the English language proficiency level of ELLs enrolled in grades K–12 in New York State schools. This test gives the state, schools, and teachers important information about the English language development of the student and whether the student will continue to receive services.

• For more information on the screening and placement process, see the NYSED ELL Screening, Identification, Placement, Review and Exit Criteria.

Proper planning is important for the success of any program. New York State has established a Blueprint for English Language Learner/Multilanguage Learner Success.

As part of the ENL program, students are offered accommodations including:

• Time Extension
• Separate Location
• Bilingual Glossaries
• Can receive 55 points on 2 Regents

They test out of the program when they score “commanding” or score “expanding” on NYSESLAT with a 3 or 4 on the ELA test or 65 on Regents.

ELL Educational Philosophy

The Liberty Central School District’s ELL Educational Philosophy page outlines the district’s commitment to providing equitable, culturally responsive, and high-quality education for all English Language Learners. It details key principles and research-based strategies focused on fostering language acquisition, delivering tailored interventions for diverse student subpopulations, and integrating multicultural learning into the curriculum.

• View more information about ELL Educational Philosophy.

Special Education

Student Services provides oversight for Special Education, psychological counseling, and other related services as outlined in a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). The department also ensures compliance with Commissioner’s Regulations Part 200 for students with disabilities, and the staff listed below are available to assist with navigating these services.

• View more information about Special Education.
• View more information about Section 504.

Procedural Safeguards Notice

As a parent, you are a vital member of the committee on special education (CSE) or committee on preschool special education (CPSE) in New York State. The CSE/CPSE is responsible for developing recommendations for special education programs and services for your child. You must be given opportunities to participate in the CSE/CPSE discussion and decision-making process about your child’s needs for special education.

• View more information about the Procedural Safeguards Notice.