English Learner (EL) Service

The English  Learner (EL) Services department provides comprehensive support to students whose primary or home language is not English, ensuring full access to academic content while students develop proficiency in English. EL services are designed to foster both academic achievement and language acquisition, enabling English learners to participate successfully in all aspects of school life.

Services are provided in compliance with federal law (Every Student Succeeds Act – ESSA, Title III), Ohio Department of Education requirements, and the district’s commitment to culturally responsive teaching and equitable educational access. The EL department collaborates with students, families, general education teachers, intervention specialists, and school administrators to ensure that each learner receives individualized instruction and appropriate supports based on their English language proficiency level.

Language Proficiency Screening & Assessment

• Administration of the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS) to determine initial eligibility for services
• Ongoing annual assessment using the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) to monitor growth across four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• Participation in educational evaluations for students who may require additional services under IDEA or Section 504

Individualized Language Development Programming

• Development of individualized English Language Development (ELD) instruction based on students’ proficiency levels and academic needs
• Small group or individual ELD instruction targeting language acquisition in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and academic vocabulary
• Integration of content-based language instruction to support grade-level academic success

Classroom Support and Collaboration

• Collaboration with general education teachers to ensure classroom instruction is accessible to English learners
• Support for classroom accommodations, scaffolding, modified assessments, and differentiated instruction
• Development of English Learner Plans (EL Plans) outlining instructional strategies and accommodations

Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Practices

• Culturally sensitive support recognizing students' diverse backgrounds, cultures, and prior educational experiences
• Family engagement activities and partnerships that honor home languages and family cultures while supporting language development
• Assistance with interpreting and translation services to facilitate communication between schools and families

MTSS and Intervention Team Participation

• Active involvement in MTSS problem-solving teams to differentiate language acquisition from learning disabilities or other academic concerns
• Collaboration with special education, 504, speech-language pathologists, and intervention teams when dual identification is being considered

Exit and Monitoring Procedures

• Transition planning for students who meet exit criteria from EL services while continuing progress monitoring for at least two years
• Ongoing consultation to ensure successful academic performance after exit from services

Staff Development and Training

• Professional development for teachers and staff on:
  • Language acquisition theory
  • Culturally responsive instruction
  • Supporting English learners in the mainstream classroom
  • Legal requirements for English learner services

Legal and Compliance Responsibilities

• Alignment with:
  • Title III of ESSA
  • Ohio Operating Standards for English Learners
  • Civil Rights compliance (Office for Civil Rights – OCR)
  • Lau v. Nichols and Castaneda v. Pickard court decisions
  • IDEA and Section 504 when applicable

English Learner Services ensure that students who are acquiring English as a second language are supported academically, socially, and emotionally while they acquire the language skills necessary for success in school, career, and community life.

Stacie Levey - English Language Coordinator/K-12 English Language Teacher

Liz Flannery - K-12 English Language Teacher