English Learner Programs

Across the state, English learner programs help current and former English learners develop language and literacy proficiency and meet learning standards in all content areas. Schools can support both teachers of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and general education teachers by providing professional learning opportunities that support the needs of multilingual learners and their families. 

Equity and Access to Learning 

To support students and families who are English learners, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 specifies schools’ obligations to ensure access and engagement in high-quality academic learning activities that include early learning, K-12, and  career-technical education programs. 

The Dear Colleague Letter: U.S. Departments of Justice and Education assists school districts and all public schools in meeting their legal obligations to ensure that English learner students can participate meaningfully and equally in educational programs and services. 

Learning Supports

English learners can benefit from evidence-based instructional practices including oral language development, literacy support, and a focus on vocabulary across content areas. All educators can implement these best practices. The following resources can assist schools and districts in developing comprehensive English learner programs.  

• Instructional Guidelines and Resources for English Language Learners  includes information on the stages of language acquisition, explanations of types of language, and strategies to knowing multilingual learners. 
• ​Ohio's Evidence-Based Clearinghouse provides strategies to deliver high-quality and evidence-based instruction to English learners.   
• National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition: English Learner Services and Programs  provides tools and resources for providing an English learner program. 
•  Innovation Configuration's Evidence-Based Practices for English Learners  identifies effective practices for English learner instruction for all educators.  
• U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences updates educators with research on evidence-based education programs, practices, and policies.    

Language Proficiency Standards 

Educators can use the Ohio English Language Proficiency Standards and Ohio Learning Standards-Extended to plan programs and instruction for all English learners, including those with significant cognitive disabilities. 

• Ohio English Language Proficiency Standards  are the basis for specialized and integrated English language instruction as measured by the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener and Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment. 
• Ohio Learning Standards-Extended for English Language Proficiency address the language development of English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities. 

Assessment Accommodations for English Learners  

State test accommodations may be appropriate for English learners. The resources below provide information about the standards for the Ohio English language proficiency assessment and accommodation guidance and resources.                     

• Revised Assessment Accommodations for English Learners include extended time and the use of a word-to-word translation dictionary. In addition, oral translation of Ohio’s state tests is allowable. 
• Ohio's Accessibility Manual describes the available accommodations in detail. These accommodations are not determined by the amount of time an individual is enrolled in U.S. schools or the number of years a student has been identified as an English learner. 
• Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA)                                                       

Resources that Support English Learner Programs 

• Ohio Literacy Academy Live: The Science of Reading and English Learners: Instruction that Makes a Difference (Claude Goldenberg and Elsa Cardenas) 
• Local Equity Access Planning (LEAP)

Last Modified: 8/22/2024 2:15:48 PM

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