|
Hi all,
How do we support all students to succeed? In 2021, the Ohio General Assembly commissioned a cost study to understand the resources needed to meet the needs of students who are English learners. The legislature passed a bill requiring the Ohio Department of Education to evaluate the current funding amounts and services for all categories of English learners described in section 3317.016 of the Ohio Revised Code.
To illuminate the cost of implementing language programs for students identified as English learners, the Department partnered with the nonprofit research and development organization WestEd. The study seeks to identify the necessary resources, including staff and technology, essential to support Ohio’s newcomer students in English-only and bilingual programs. As part of the study, WestEd recently distributed a statewide survey to superintendents, English learner coordinators, and English learner points of contact in public districts and schools. WestEd is also interviewing districts with large English learner programs to refine their understanding of resources used to support our English learners. A final report, including findings and cost recommendations, is due to the state legislature by December 31, 2022. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Ohio English learner cost study.
Thank you for sharing your time and talent.
Donna
Donna M. Villareal
Program Specialist | Office of Whole Child Supports
Ohio Department of Education
25 S. Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Tel (614) 387-2245 | Email Donna.Villareal@education.ohio.gov
How will information about English learner programs be gathered?
Beginning in mid-May, school district superintendents will receive an email invitation to compete a survey about English learner services and programs. It is important that each district submit only one response. However, a single district survey may be completed with input from multiple individuals with knowledge of the district’s English learner program staffing and resources.
.
How can you help?
While participation in the English learner cost survey is entirely voluntary, we value the voices of all who support English learners. This includes TESOL specialists, general education teachers, tutors, paraprofessionals, related service providers and families. Ohio school superintendents may reach out to you for your input. Help by sharing your thoughts! WestEd will keep all individual responses confidential and will not share them with the Ohio Department of Education at any time.
How are the survey responses used?
State law requires that English learner state funds be used only for services for English learners. WestEd will use the survey responses, in combination with EMIS data, to identify trends and estimate the state’s costs to meet federal obligations to English learners.
Did you know?
Bilingual and dual language programs can promote biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement and cross-cultural competence in all students. Students maintain their home language while adding another language; they develop pride in their own culture while developing an understanding of others. If you are part of—or interested in learning more about—dual language programs, apply to attend a series of four webinars that address the challenges and opportunities dual language bilingual education programs in the Midwest face. The Cambio Center and The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) request that educators apply to attend the webinars as soon as possible because of limited space.
|
