English as a Second Language (ESL)

State and federal laws require school districts to screen students who list a language other than English, on their Home Language Survey.When students enroll in Lakota, families complete the Demographic Page in FinalForms, which includes questions about the languages spoken at home. These questions make up the Home Language Survey (HLS) and help us understand each student’s language background.

If a language other than English is listed, state and federal law requires schools to assess the student’s English proficiency. This assessment identifies whether a student is fully proficient, progressing, or still developing English skills.

Students who are not yet fully proficient are identified by the state as English Learners (ELs) and may qualify for English as a Second Language (ESL) services. Families will be notified of their student’s eligibility and have the final say in what services their child receives.

Each spring, all English Learners (ELs) participate in an annual English language proficiency assessment called the OELPA that measures growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This assessment is required by state and federal law and helps ensure that every student’s progress in English is carefully monitored and supported.

Students receive scores in each area, along with an overall proficiency score. These results guide decisions about the type and level of support students receive through the ESL program.When a student earns a score of  a 4 or 5 in each domain, they are considered fully English proficient and are formally exited from the ESL program. After exiting, students will continue to be monitored for four years to ensure ongoing success.

Ohio’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards guide how English Learners (ELs) build the language skills needed for success in school and beyond. These standards focus on four key areas of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

In Lakota, the ELP standards are integrated with Ohio’s academic content standards, helping students develop both strong English skills and a deep understanding of grade-level subjects.

English Learner (EL) students are held to the same graduation requirements as all Lakota students. To earn a high school diploma, students must meet credit requirements (20 total), pass state and local courses, and demonstrate competency through state-mandated tests and two diploma seals, one of which must be state-defined

All students must also meet state standards on the end-of-course assessments. Some English Learners may be eligible for testing accommodations, which can include the use of a native language translator, extended time, or a dictionary to support their success.