English Learners

  • English Learners

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    Index

    • District Procedures
    • Interpreters/Translators
    • Click here to request interpretation services (for parent use only)
    • Spanish Language Documents
    • Information and Responsibilities for School Sites
    • What is an English Learner (EL)?
    • How are English Learners identified?
    • Once identified how does an EL student exit the program?
    • What happens when a student exits the program?
    • What can we do at home?

    District Procedures

    During the enrollment registration process, families respond to the question: Does your family require language assistance to communicate with school staff? If a family responds "yes" an icon is placed on the student summary page in Infinite Campus to assist school staff in identifying families that require assistance. The availability of free language assistance to NPS families is communicated on the district website, enrollment materials, student handbook, as well as individual school websites. A contact phone number, as well as a Language Assistance Request link, is accessible so that families may request language support.

     

    Interpreters/Translators - Click here to request interpretation services (for parent use only)

    Norman Public Schools recognizes the importance of communication with parents and guardians in order to include them in the educational process of their children. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide language services and supports in order to aid active participation. An annual application protocol is required for external interpreters and translators who do not have documentation demonstrating professional certification. The process includes information regarding role, ethics and confidentiality. Interpreters/Translators serve as a neutral conduit rendering into the target language literally what has been stated in English with no additions, no omissions, no editing, no polishing. Interpreters/Translators interpret into English questions asked by families for the school personnel to answer. Processing, record maintenance and time sheets for all interpreters/translators will be facilitated by the NPS Title III office.

     

    Information and Responsibilities for School Sites

    All language interpreters must be requested through the Title III office.  To request an interpreter sites must submit the EL - Request an Interpreter form found under the Staff Portal / Quick Links. If emergencies arise a principal may approve the use of the Stratus Audio/Optimal Phone Interpreters. Contact information and coding may be obtained from the Title III office. Sites will receive annual notification regarding the process and parameters for requesting interpretation services. This will include access to contracted phone interpretation services that will support communication in the wide variety of languages spoken by families in Norman Public Schools. 

     

    What is an English Learner (EL)?

    • Between the ages of 3 and 21
    • Enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary or secondary school
    • Not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English
    • Comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual’s level of English language proficiency;
    • Has difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language sufficiently so it denies the individual:
      • the ability to meet the state’s proficient level of achievement on state assessments
      • the ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction is English
      • the opportunity to participate fully in society.

    Source: Federal Public Law 107-110, The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Title IX, General Provisions, Part A Definitions, Section 9101(25)

     

    How are English Learners identified?

    Students who meet the criteria of EL are identified through the Home Language Survey completed at the time of enrollment.

     

    Once Identified how does an EL student exit the program?

    Once a student is identified as EL he or she cannot exit the program until achieving FEP (Full English Proficiency) on the ACCESS for ELLs test.

     

    What happens when a student exits the program?

    Once a student passes the ACCESS test he/she will be monitored for four years.  The EL teacher will communicate with the student’s classroom teachers to check on the student’s academic progress. If needed, additional supports may be considered. 

     

    What can we do at home?

     

     

     

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