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English Language Learners
English Language Learning (ELL)
The English Language Learning (ELL) program at Fairport Harbor Exempted Village Schools is committed to ensuring that every multilingual learner develops the English language skills needed to thrive academically and socially. We believe that proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking provides the foundation for academic success while also empowering students to build meaningful relationships and confidently participate in their school and community.
The ELL program serves students whose primary language is not English and who have not yet demonstrated full proficiency in academic English. In accordance with Ohio's English Language Proficiency Standards, students receive targeted language instruction and individualized support designed to accelerate English language development while promoting success across all academic areas.
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment where multilingual learners are valued for their unique linguistic and cultural strengths. Through collaboration with classroom teachers, families, and support staff, we strive to ensure that every student has equitable access to high-quality instruction and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Who Is an English Learner? An English Learner (EL) is a student who qualifies for English language support services based on the results of the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS) or another state-approved language proficiency assessment.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, an English Learner is a student who:
- Is between the ages of 3 and 21;
- Is enrolled in an elementary or secondary school;
- Has a native language or home language other than English, regardless of whether the student was born in the United States or another country; and
- Demonstrates difficulty speaking, listening, reading, writing, or understanding English that may affect the student's ability to participate successfully in classroom instruction
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Students who meet these criteria are eligible to receive English Language Learning (ELL) services designed to develop their English language proficiency while supporting success in all academic content areas.
How are Students Identified as English Learners?
When enrolling a student in Fairport Harbor Exempted Village Schools, a parent or guardian must fill out the Ohio's Language Usage Survey as part of the enrollment process.
Any family who answers that a home language other than English is spoken on the Language Usage Survey is referred to the district’s EL teacher. Within 30 days of the start of the school year or within 14 days of enrollment after the first 30 days of the school year, the student is assessed using the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS). The OELPS evaluates English language proficiency in four domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
Students are assigned one of three English language proficiency statuses based on their OELPS results:
Emerging – Beginning levels of English language proficiency.
Progressing – Developing English language proficiency.
Proficient – Demonstrates the English language skills needed to participate successfully in grade-level instruction.
Students identified as Emerging or Progressing are classified as English Learners (ELs) and are eligible to receive English Language Learning (ELL) services.
.Frequently Asked Questions about the OELPS.
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A parent notification about the OELPS and a program permission form will be sent by email through the SameGoal platform. Parents may choose to accept or decline services, or they may request a meeting to discuss any questions or concerns before making a decision. Students who do not receive direct English Learner services are still identified as English Learners and remain eligible for appropriate language accommodations.
What Type of Services do EL Students Receive?
FHEVS’s ELL program focuses on the four basic skills in English: listening, speaking, reading and writing. These skills are introduced and reinforced throughout the year in order to increase the language proficiency and standardized test-taking skills of each student to help him/her meet the state’s academic standards.
The amount of English Language Development (ELD) support a student receives is based on their English language assessment results, teacher recommendations, and academic performance.
ELD services are provided by a qualified TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teacher through a pull-out model, in which students receive targeted English language instruction outside the regular classroom for part of the school day, and/or a push-in model, in which the TESOL teacher works with students in their general education classroom alongside the classroom teacher.
How Is a Student’s Progress in English Measured?
All students identified as English Learners (ELs), regardless of whether they receive English Language Development (ELD) services, are required to take the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) each year in early spring. This annual assessment measures students' progress in developing English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. There are three overall performance levels on the OELPA: Proficient, Emerging and Progressing. The performance levels are determined as follows:
- “Proficient” students are those scoring any combination of 4’s and 5’s across all four domains
- “Emerging” students are those scoring any combination of 1’s and 2’s across all four domains
- “Progressing” students are those scoring any combination across the four domains that does not fall into Proficient or Emerging
How Does a Student Exit ELL Services?
A student is able to exit services when he or she attains a performance level of Proficient on the OELPA (Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment). The Proficient performance level is
defined as domain/test level scores of 4s and 5s in any combination across all four domains (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Students in grades K - 12 are eligible for reclassification if the student receives a performance level of Proficient.
After students exit the program, their academic progress is monitored for two years to ensure they continue to succeed without additional language support.
Additional resource links for families that can maybe be in a side bar/box:
Advancing Ohio’s English Learners: Road Map
A Family Roadmap Glossary (translations available)
National Clearing House for Language Acquisition
English Language Proficiency Standards
OELPA Achievement Level Descriptors
English Language Development Process
Family Friendly Glossary of Terms (see bottom of page)
Translated Family Reports for OELPA Results
How Does My Child Exit ELL Services: (From the Ohio Department of Education)