EL Trial Mainstream Services
All EL students in grades K-12 are given an annual assessment of English language proficiency called the Ohio Test of English Language Acquisition (OTELA), a diagnostic tool used annually state-wide to evaluate the English language proficiency of K-12 students in EL programs. The OTELA assesses four language domains: reading, writing, speaking and listening. It provides a production score (combination of writing and speaking), a comprehension score (combination of reading and listening), and a composite score (derived from production and comprehension).
EL students who obtain a composite score of four for the first time on the OTELA must complete a minimum of one year in proficient trial mainstream status and do not require additional language support services outside of the classroom setting. They remain in proficient trial mainstream until they obtain a second composite score of four or a composite score of five on the OTELA.
Trial Mainstream services depend on the need of the student and must ensure that students are able to participate meaningfully in the mainstream classroom. This means:
- students are able to perform on-level with their native English speaking peers in the mainstream classroom;
- students are able to have full access to all aspects of the school's mainstream curriculum and participate successfully without the use of simplified English materials; and
- students have access to language instruction services if needed.
EL students remain in Trial Mainstream status until they obtain a composite score of four or five on the OTELA.