English Language Learners (ELLs) are students whose primary language is not English and who need assistance in developing English proficiency. Effective support for ELLs includes strategies such as speaking more slowly, using visual aids, and engaging students in collaborative learning activities like “think-pair-share.” This support encompasses both academic and social aspects of English, which are distinct but closely connected areas of language development. Under federal law, Ohio schools are required to identify English learners, assess their proficiency, provide appropriate accommodations, monitor academic progress, and maintain accountability systems.
Guiding Documents
As a part of the Statewide System of Support, State Support Teams work closely with the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce to provide training, resources, and technical assistance to schools and districts as they strive to ensure that each child has access to a high-quality education. The documents, policies, and laws shared here provide the foundation to this work.
Links:
- World Languages and Cultures Standards and Model Curriculum
- Ohio Department of Education & Workforce: English Learners in Ohio Schools
- Identifying English Learners
- English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards
- Alternate Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (Alt-OELPA)
- Referral and Identification of English Learners with Disabilities
- English Learner Educator Toolkit: Newcomer Supplement
- Instructional Roadmap for Ohio’s English Learners
- Advancing Ohio’s English Learners Administrator’s Resource Kit
Links
- The Center for English Learners (ELs) at AIR
- Center for Applied Linguistics
- ¡Colorín Colorado!
- Office of Head Start’s Dual Language Learner Toolkit
- Interpreter services: The following are translation and interpreter resources that educators who serve English learners can use to make learning more accessible:
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- Talking Points: This app lets teachers communicate via text and video with automatic translation and captioning. It provides direct communication in different languages using phone or internet. A limited version is available to educators at no cost.
- ClassDojo : This app allows translation of messages into more than 30 languages and is available to teachers free of charge. Instantly share photos, videos, and announcements on Class Story or privately message with any parent.
- Affordable Language Services : This organization provides high-quality interpretation and translation with attention to the specialized needs of education professionals. Rates vary depending upon size and type of product(s) required.
- International Language Bank : This Ohio-based company provides translation and interpretation services for more than 200 languages and dialects. Rates vary depending upon size and type of product(s) required.
- Access 2 Interpreters : This Columbus-based company provides a range of interpretation and translation services in more than 70 languages to assist parents with limited English proficiency. Rates vary depending on size and type of product(s) required.
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