We are glad that you are here! We take much pride in the cultural and linguistic diversity we have in Loveland City Schools. We continue to explore ways to support our families and students in our school district.

Philosophy
English as a Second Language (ESL) supports and services at Loveland City Schools are designed to give students who speak a language other than English equitable access to learning in their core content classes. The goal is to maintain high expectations for all students. Small group instruction is provided as needed to promote accelerated language acquisition and literacy development. Instructional supports are embedded into classroom learning to engage English language learner students in grade-level curriculum while they progress toward English proficiency in all language domains.

Identification
Students are administered an assessment to measure English language proficiency upon enrollment. The decision to assess is based on information provided in the home language survey and prior school records. Students who received ESL services in the past may be identified based on previous records. The screening and identification process is designed to ensure English language learner students receive appropriate accommodations and supports to be successful in their core content classes. 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 will be notified of their child’s assessment results and if they qualify for ESL services.

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/accommodations for English Language Learners (ELLs) and to help ensure consistency in the application of those supports. This plan is to promote English for communication, academic purposes, and social/cultural support.

Services
Students in the ESL program receive services based on his/her 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
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.

Jesse Kohls, Director of Student Services

Phone: (513) 774-6217

Email: kohlsje@lovelandschools.org