There are many children at APS who benefit from our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The program provides specialized and/or modified instruction in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking at grade level to eligible students so they acquire the necessary skills they need to meet academic standards, move on to the next grade and/or graduate.
ESL teachers meet with students on a weekly or daily basis, monitoring their progress and consulting with the classroom teacher throughout the school year. Lessons are planned according to the needs of each child in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
The amount of time in the program varies for each student, but the majority of our EL students exit the program within 5 years. Our EL students learn academic content and language simultaneously to help students gain the ability to do grade-level work without support and, ultimately, be able to exit the program.
Who is eligible for ESL Services?
Eligible individuals are those whose native or home language is something other than English or who come from environments where a language other than English is spoken.
How is eligibility for ESL services determined?
Within 30 days of enrollment, students who are identified as potentially eligible on a Home Language Survey are then screened to determine if they are English Learners (EL). If the student is a transfer student from another US school the previous school is contacted to determine the child's current EL status. EL students often come from non-English-speaking homes and backgrounds or from homes where more than one language is spoken, including English.
The screener will examine a student's skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking at grade level. The screener results will help APS EL staff plan tailored lessons and provide supports to ensure the student can access grade level curriculum.
Every effort is made to complete the screening in a timely manner.
How is grade-level placement determined?
Assignment to the appropriate grade level will take into account the following factors:
- student's age
- educational history
- transcripts
- six-year-old without kindergarten experience
Is it permissible for an ESL student to be a part of more than one program?
Yes, for example we have EL students who are identified as both Gifted and EL. All EL students are entitled to equal access to all academic and extracurricular programs.
What if an interpreter is needed?
Interpreters may be needed at the time of enrollment and at other times throughout the year. APS provides interpreters for parent meetings without a cost to the family. Please call ESL at (330) 761-3190 if you need interpreter support.
For more information on Ohio ESL programs, please visit The Ohio Department of Education.
