Embedded Files
Title III English Learners Program
Title III English Learners Program
English as a Second Language (ESL) supports and services at Lancaster City Schools are designed to give students who speak a language other than English equitable access. Lancaster City School’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program focuses on:
Provide services to students in the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to ensure proficiency
Provide accommodations, and supports to support high academic achievement for ESL students,
Provide leadership and professional development to ensure that all staff provide evidence-based instructional strategies designed to support for ESL students in the classroom,
Provide opportunities to engage families of English Language Learners.
Identification
Identification
Lancaster City Schools is committed to providing high quality instruction for all students. Upon enrollment, students whose primary or home language is other than English are screened to determine their proficiency level in the English language domains of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. If the student scores less than proficient on the OELPS, they are identified as an English Language Learner and offered instructional support through the district’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
In the state of Ohio, school districts are required to use the OELPS (Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener) to assess and identify English language learners. Parents are notified of their child’s assessment results and if they qualify for ESL services.
This screening and identification process is designed to ensure English Language Learners (ELLs) are identified quickly and provided appropriate services, accommodations, and supports necessary to successfully achieve academically and socially in the United States.
English Language Development Plan
English Language Development Plan
Every student who qualifies for ESL services in grades K-12 will have a Language Development Plan. The purpose of this plan is to determine and document individualized instructional supports and/or accommodations for ELLs.
Services
Services
Students in the ESL program receive services based on their individual needs and language development plans. This can include: small group instruction; in-class support; progress monitoring; and collaboration with the classroom teachers. Instruction focuses on English development in all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. English language proficiency scores from assessments such as OELPA, the OELPS screening assessment, and research-based data collection, guide decisions in planning instruction for individual students.
Assessment
Assessment
Any student identified as an English language learner will be required to take the annual OELPA (Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment) to measure the student’s progress toward English language proficiency. The student can exit the ESL program once they receive an overall score of 3 (Proficient) on the OELPA exam. The OELPA assessment is administered in February and March of each school year. Parents and guardians will receive direct notification of the student’s scores and will be notified if the student has met exit criteria.
ESL Staff & Contacts
ESL Staff & Contacts
Jennifer Woods (Director of Student Services): J_Houston@lcsschools.net
Ali Luchon (EL Teacher) a_luchon@lcsschools.net
Anne Benfield (EL Teacher) a_brengman@lcsschools.net
Samantha Colby (EL Teacher) s_colby@lcsschools.net
Language Assistance
Language Assistance
Lancaster City Schools will assist with language interpreting and translation services for parents who need support. This service is available for any parent or guardian whose skills are limited in any of the following areas: speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing. If you require language assistance for a school program or activity, please contact the Student Services Department at 740-687-7360.
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