In Ohio, over 25,000 English learners (EL) were enrolled in the state’s elementary and secondary public schools during the 2012-2013 school year.
The term “limited English proficient” refers to those students whose native or home language is other than English, and whose current limitations in the ability to understand, speak, read or write in English inhibit their effective participation in a school’s educational program. The number of English learners reported in Ohio for school year 2012-2013 represents an increase of 238% over the number reported five years previously, and an increase of 120% over the number reported 10 years ago.
Like their native English-speaking peers, English learners in Ohio are expected to achieve high educational standards. Ohio’s high expectations for academic achievement are designed to help ensure that all students are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
Enrollment
English learners should be placed in a grade level appropriate to their age unless other factors preclude such a placement. Other factors to consider include: educational background, length of time in the country, English language proficiency, first language proficiency and parental requests. Entering students should not be placed more than one grade level below their age appropriate grade.
Initial placement decisions will be made by a building level team consisting of, but not limited to, the building principal, ELL specialist, age-appropriate classroom teacher, guidance counselor and parent.
Identification
Each student in kindergarten through grade 12 who has a primary or home language other than English will be identified upon enrollment by using the identifying information that appears in the Granville Schools Enrollment EMIS Information Form in each building’s registration packet. If on the EMIS Information Form the language questions are checked as “other than English,” each building’s secretary will forward a copy of the EMIS Information Form to the District Student Services office. The District Student Services Secretary will notify the ELL Specialist of the student for assessment.
See GEVSD website www.granvilleschools.org for resources related to supporting your child’s education.