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English Language Learners (ELL)

Contact
Sheri Brown-Thomas, PreK-12 District EL Teacher
Email  

 

Welcome to the Office of Second Language Acquisition
Our responsibility is to assist all Xenia Schools in meeting the needs of students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) to assure their continued academic success.

Vision
We envision a school community that welcomes and nurtures culturally and linguistically diverse students and families. Our students will be successful in their education and will develop proficient English language skills while maintaining their cultural identity in order to become valuable contributors to the society at large.

Mission
The mission of our office is to help English Language Learners achieve high academic standards in English while fostering their native cultural identity.

  • 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 ELL 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 ELL services.

    English Language Development Plan
    Every student who qualifies for ELL 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 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 ELL 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 ELL 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.

  • U.S. School Laws

    The United States Government Requires: 

    1. Testing all students whose primary or home language is other than English to decide if student is Limited English Proficient (LEP)
    2. Developing a PLAN for LEP students that assures effective instruction that will lead to academic achievement and timely acquisition of English proficiency
    3. Monitoring LEP students’ progress on a regular basis
    4. Taking steps to adjust the PLAN if the student is not making reasonable progress

    Need help with internet access?
    Learn more about     affordable Wi‐fi.

    Family Resources 

    ENGLISH LEARNER FAMILY TOOLKIT

    Internet & TV

    The Internet can help students improve English skills! There are many excellent websites that can help your child with English proficiency and school work. Here are a few examples of some good websites for young children:

    Here are a few examples of some good websites for young children:

    • Fact Monster - A website with lots of facts and information about all kinds of subjects...try the HOMEWORK HELP section when your child needs help with their homework assignments.
    • PBS Kids - Check out PBS Kids for colorful games, fun facts and to see some favorite public television characters...Arthur, Dragon Tales, Sagwa and more!
    • Funny Fill In - Your child can write his own story or “Wacky Web Tale” by filling in the blanks. It’s fun for the whole family. 

    More Educational Websites for Young Children:

    Movement
      The Learning Station
      Cosmic Kids Yoga
      GoNoodle

    Virtual Field Trips
      Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips
      Early childhood Education Zone Virtual Field Trips
      Virtual Field Trips
      COSI Connects

    STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
      STEM Activities for Kids
      50 Genius STEM Activities for Kids
      57 STEM Activities for Students
      100 Fantastic STEM Projects

     

    Educational Apps (phone/tablet) for young children:

    • Kids ABC Phonics
    • Elmo Loves ABCs
    • Alpha Tots

    Educational Television

    Television can help students succeed in school and learn English. However, you need to guide your student’s television watching!

    Look for TV shows that:

    • Teach something
    • Hold their interest
    • Encourage them to listen and question
    • Help them learn more words
    • Make them feel good about themselves
    • Introduce them to new ideas and things

    Educational TV shows for young children:

  • Colleges/Universities with ESOL Classes
    Sinclair Community College
    English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. Contact Paul Carbonaro or visit the website for more information. 

    University of Dayton
    Intensive English Program (IEP). Contact iep@udayton.edu or visit the website for more information. 

    Wright State University
    English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. Contact Robert Rubin or visit the website for more information.

     


    Free ESOL Classes for Adults
    St. John's United Church of Christ
    The ESOL Program, formerly known as the International School, at St. John's UCC provides adults with a warm, caring place in which to increase their English language. Our goal is to help students increase the skills needed to live and work in their community. The program teaches reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ESOL classes meet from 9:30-11:45 am Monday through Friday. 

    For orientation and start times contact the school office at 937-461-3332.  If you are interested or have questions about some of the programs, contact Leah Brown, Program Coordinator by email at leahbrown@mvctc.com 

    Miami Valley Career Technology Center - Aspire Program
    Free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at different locations around Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. Students will learn the following skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 

    • Classes are offered in-person and online.
    • Class options include beginning to advanced levels, College & Career Prep for Professionals, Culinary Food Handler, English for Healthcare, GED preparation, and Culinary Supervisor.
    • The Aspire program also offers free workplace education and adult readiness classes to individuals with or without a high school diploma. Services available: foundational math, reading, and writing skills; Adult Secondary Education/High School Equivalency preparation (GED/HiSET); transition services that help students develop essential skills for employment, college or trade school; life skills, employability skills, and computer literacy; workplace education services that are offered in collaboration with an employer to increase the productivity of the workforce; and, distance education classes that enhance learning using technology.

    For more information on ESOL classes or to ask questions, call (937) 461-3332 or email aspire@mvctc.com or visit the website.   

    South Dayton Presbyterian Church
    Free conversational English classes at South Dayton Presbyterian Church
    (5280 Bigger Rd, Dayton OH 45440)

    Tuesdays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. (childcare provided for kids 5 and under)
     Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (no childcare provided)
    Accepting new students for our second semester beginning on January 28 and 29. You may come either day and register to begin classes. Please come no later than 15 minutes after the start of class. 

    For more information or to register. 

    Crossover Community Development (COCD)
    COCD offers a variety of free ESL classes including for U.S. citizenship. Classes are provided in collaboration with the Ahiska Turkish American Community Center. 
    Visit the website for more information.

    Brunner Literacy Center
    The English Language Learning (ELL) program provides an adult who is not a native English speaker with skills in English conversation, reading, and writing. According to individual need and desire, involvement in this program can include preparation for U.S. citizenship.

    Dayton Metro Library
    English as a Second Language (ESL) course offerings.
    Visit the library online or call the Main Library at (937) 463-2665.

    Mango Languages is a language learning program that is available for use outside the library with a library card. Patrons can use a traditional library card, acquired onsite at any library location, or an eCard, which can be registered for on the website. 

    Visit Mango Languages online for more info on how to access Mango Languages  

  • FREE Online English Classes

    USAHELLO 
    Online classes open to everyone.
    USAHello classes are free and are made for refugees and immigrants. Prepare for your GED® test or to become a US citizen.

    BBC Learning  English
    Short classes and videos to learn English words and phrases to help with everyday life. First language support: Amharic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Korean, Persian, Thai

    BUSUU
    Interactive classes with short lessons and exercises. You can practice your English pronunciation with native speakers. The basic plan is free

    Colorín Colorado
    A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners. First language support: Spanish

    Coursera
    Variety of free English classes for beginners, advanced and intermediate levels. First language support: Arabic, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese

    Duolingo
    Short lessons, practice tests, and repetition to help you learn English

    Elllo 
    Help with listening skills. Choose topics based on your personal interests like sports, history, or travel

    Lingokids
    Games, videos, and songs to help children learn English. Sign up for free through USAHello

    USA Learns
    Online activities using video, photos, sound, charts, and text. Teaches vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and life skills. Helps you practice English listening, speaking, reading, and writing. First language support: Spanish

    Voice of America, VOA
    Weekly video lessons and printable sheets to learn English. News pages with a list of new vocabulary and articles to check your English knowledge. First language support: Burmese, Creole, French, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish, and many others

  • Cambridge English - Learning activities, tests, games, and other resources to improve the use of real-life English

    EF Standard English Test - A standardized English test online to assess your English level.
    Free EF SET Certificate

    English for Everyone - Worksheets and quizzes you can download to practice your English

    English Page - Learn English using in-depth English tutorials featuring dozens of interactive exercises. The site includes weekly lessons vocabulary development, articles, mini-tutorials, reading room, games, and student forums.

    Exam English - Practice tests (such as the TOEFL) to help prepare you for English language tests for school or the workplace

    Fun Easy English - English classes and resources, including over 2000 English conversation videos you can watch to learn about American culture, history, and books

    Grammarly - Checks your writing and corrects your grammar mistakes

    Lang-8 - Learn to write in English with help from a native speaker

    Purdue ESL Lab - Grammar and pronunciation tips to improve your writing and English punctuation. Resources to write basic business letters, cover letters and resumes

  • ESL/ELL Interactive Websites for Learning
    Instructional videos, including workout videos. Useful for lesson planning or learning new skills.

    Starfall
    Great early-literacy practice for English Language Learners.

    Learn English Using Online Resources
    Free ESOL Websites listed by New York Public Library: These general ESOL websites offer many types of activities (grammar, listening, pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, etc.) for language learners of all levels.

    English Media Lab Homepage
    Exercises for all English learners including online grammar exercises, vocabulary videos, pronunciation exercises, and interactive quizzes for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners.

    International Children's Digital Library
    Free digitized picture books in multiple languages. Great for ESL students.

    ESL Videos
    ESLvideo.com provides educational resources for English as a Second Language Students to improve their listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary skills. The quiz activities and lessons are created by teachers, and are free to use in class, lab, or at home.

    LearnEnglish Kids
    LearnEnglish Kids has lots of free online games, songs, stories and activities for children to have fun and learn English too.

     

    Audio
    ESL Cyber Listening Lab
    Includes vocabulary lessons, listening quizzes, and study guides for English Language Learners.

    ESL Fast
    Includes over 1,000 conversations and scripts for beginning, intermediate and advanced English Language Learners.

    BITS English Language Learning
    Collection of recorded books, novellas, short stories, speeches, and songs with read-along text.