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English Learner Services

English Learner (EL) Services

Orange City Schools is proud to serve a diverse student population that reflects a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The English Learner (EL) program provides targeted support to students who are developing English proficiency, ensuring they can access the full educational experience and achieve academic success.

  • As part of the enrollment process, families complete a Home Language Usage Survey (LUS). If a language other than English is indicated, the student’s background is reviewed and, if appropriate, the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS) is administered.

    The OELPS:

    • Assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English
    • Helps determine whether the student would benefit from English language support services
    • Meets state and federal identification requirements

    Students who qualify are placed in the EL program and families are notified in writing, including a translated version of the notification when needed. While services begin immediately, families have the option to formally decline EL services after consultation with the EL team.  When families decline EL services, students are still required to take the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) in the Spring. 

  • EL services are tailored to each student’s proficiency level, academic needs, and grade-level expectations. Supports may include:

    • Pull-out instruction in small groups focused on English language development
    • Push-in support from EL teachers during content area instruction
    • Targeted instruction in vocabulary, reading, writing, and speaking
    • Ongoing progress monitoring and collaboration with classroom teachers

    EL students remain fully included in the general education classroom and have access to the same curriculum and enrichment opportunities as their peers, with additional language support as needed.

  • All identified English Learners, including students who have declined EL services,  participate annually in the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) to measure growth in the following areas:

    • Listening
    • Speaking
    • Reading
    • Writing

    Exit from the EL program occurs when a student achieves an overall score of 3 on the OELPA, with 4s or 5s across the assessed domains. Students who exit EL services are monitored for a minimum of two years to ensure continued academic progress.

  • Orange City Schools values strong partnerships with families. To ensure meaningful engagement:

    • All official communications are available in translated formats
    • Interpreters are provided at no cost for school meetings and conferences upon request
    • Communication tools such as the district website, ParentSquare and FinalForms support multilingual access

    For more information about EL services, eligibility, or program supports, families may contact the building principal or the Director of Curriculum.