LAB-R and NYSESLAT reults place students in one of four levels:
Beginning Students can comprehend simple statements and questions. They are able to engage in simple face-to-face conversations with peers and family members. Students understand simple material. Their comprehension is limited to main ideas of simple written material that contains familiar vocabulary. Students are able to write short notes and messages on very familiar topics. At the elementary and middle school levels, beginning students receive at least 72 minutes of ESL instruction per day. At the high school level, they receive at least 108 minutes of ESL per day.
Intermediate Students understand general concepts and specific details of short conversations but have only a general understanding of longer conversations. They can initiate and sustain a conversation with native English speakers. Students are able to understand narrative and descriptive materials that contain familiar vocabulary. They can write simple notes using elementary vocabulary and common language structures. They can express past, present, and future ideas comprehensibly, although errors may occur. Intermediate students receive at least 72 minutes of ESL instruction per day.
Advanced Students are able to understand the main ideas and significant details of extended discussions. They can engage in extended discussions with native English speakers. Students can understand most printed materials. They can write essays, journals, and personal and business letters. They use correct English word structure. Advanced students receive at least 36 minutes of ESL instruction per day.
Proficient Students are able to understand standard speech delivered by a native English speaker. They engage in most social communications with confidence and fluency. Students are able to understand and obtain meaning from a wide range of printed materials. Their reading level and vocabulary is comparable to native English-speaking students. They can write about a variety of topics using different sentence structures. Proficient students may continue to receive ESL services based on individual needs.
