A comparison of the approach to to English language acquisition in New York and Singapore

1. Shift to a multi-lingual society the objective of NYSESLAT is to asses, accommodate and assimilate English Language Learners into mainstream education.

2. Focus on quantifiable test results, instrumental and approach to learning English as a second language. “Standard 1: English for information and understanding” “Standard 2: English for literary response, enjoyment, and expression” “Standard 3: English for critical analysis and evaluation” “Standard 4: English for social and classroom interaction” “Standard 5: English for cross-cultural knowledge and understanding”

3. Less focus on exam ranking and high stakes testing, more long term orientation and conceptualisation of education as an investment.

4. Dual immersion approach building on children's knowledge and skills in their home language combined with English being taught at school

4.1. Initial focus on young students speaking and expressing

4.2. Initial focus on young students speaking and expressing themselves.Initial focus on young students speaking and expressing themselves.

4.3. Primary & Middle school students begin by enjoying their increasing mastery of English

4.4. Explicit instruction in phonemic awareness at elementary school

5. Effective teaching practices include productive use of 21st century learning tools to empower students to lead their own learning. Teachers shift their role from provider of knowledge to facilitators of students discovering for themselves.

5.1. Teachers also use video conferencing tools to collaborate across geographic distances and incorporate feedback from teachers with different backgrounds and cultures. 21st century communication devices can be incorporated into classrooms as a teaching tool rather than as a distraction.