Who completes the Language Usage Survey?
Parents and guardians of all newly enrolled students in grades K-12 complete the state’s standardized language usage survey. Enrollment staff for preschools may use the state standardized language survey or another language usage survey to determine and support the communication preferences of children and families. Preschool programs might consider adapting other formal home language surveys. Helpful guidance for gathering and using the language information offered by families of young children is provided by the Office of Head Start in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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What is the process for students transferring schools within Ohio?
When a student transfers from one district or school in Ohio to another district or school in Ohio, enrollment staff should request, review, and maintain a copy of the previous language usage survey. The information is used to better understand the student’s language environments and English language development instruction, as well as to request the language preferences of the family. For information regarding the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS) that is administered to identify students who are potential English learners who may benefit from English language programs and linguistic supports, please see Ohio’s OELPS FAQ.
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What is the process for students transferring to an Ohio school from out-of-state?
Students identified as English learners in another State who transfer to a school in Ohio must be assessed for English learner status, based on ODE‘s definition of English language proficiency, within 30 days of enrollment in a school in the State. Ohio defines enrollment as the date on which the school has both received documentation of enrollment and commenced participation in learning opportunities.
When students transfer from other states, including U.S. territories and Department of Defense Education Activity schools, the school is not required to re-administer the language usage survey, but should review, maintain and make any needed updates to the student’s previous home or language usage survey. When transfer students do not present a copy of the previous home or language usage survey, a copy should be requested from the previous school(s). If the survey is not received within the 30-day timeframe for English learner identification, the school should administer the Ohio Language Usage Survey to know and document the languages the student uses and the language preferences of the family. In cases with additional considerations, an individual approach is advised, with the TESOL and other specialists included to provide guidance on next steps to provide language development supports and programs to students who qualify as English learners.
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Are Non-Public Schools required to administer the Ohio Language Usage Survey?
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, public and non-public schools that receive federal funds have the obligation to provide equal educational opportunities to students and families. This includes the identification of linguistic barriers to assure equitable access school services and activities. Non-public schools are not required to administer the Ohio Language Usage Survey form and translations provided free of charge on the Department website. They may develop their own forms and processes that meet the obligation to protect students and families from discrimination based upon race and national origin minority status.
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May online surveys be signed digitally or should the paper copies also be signed?
Families and validating employees may sign the survey digitally. Electronic signatures should be validated by the individual assigned to do the Language Usage Survey quality check. Districts must have written procedures that explain how the information provided in the Language Usage Survey is maintained and, in case of student transfer, shared along with other records.
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Is the Language Usage Survey available in a Word document format? This could facilitate translation and use of a district’s or school’s logo.
The Language Usage Survey and translations are available in Adobe pdf and Microsoft Word files on the Ohio Department of Education website.
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Can we modify the form to communicate more clearly to new families enrolling in our school?
Schools and districts may modify the Language Usage Survey without changing or omitting the content that is communicated to parents on page 1.
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