TSMS offers English Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) services for students that English is not their primary home language. The ESOL program is designed to gain proficiency on English Language skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing while the students improve their overall academic performance. The goal is to have ELL students succeed in the regular classrooms, as well as meet or exceed the Florida Department of Education grade level content standards. The program is dynamic in that it relies upon ongoing modification and accommodations in order to meet the needs of the students while they develop the academic language. Implied within the program is the continued need to develop new strategies, to identify student activities and the necessary professional development for school personnel, and to use new resources to support children and families who require these services.

Information on Eligibility, Placement, and Exit

• Parents complete the Home Language Survey (HLS) at the time of registration
• If there is a “yes” response to any of the HLS questions, an English language assessment is administered to determine further eligibility and appropriate placement in the program.
• Parents are informed of programs available, and placement procedures
• Program services continue until the student demonstrates adequate command and proficiency in the English language, as determined by the program’s exit criteria. Academic progress and teacher recommendations are taken into consideration as part of the exit procedures.
• Students are monitored for two years after exit.

ELL committee
The ELL committee is a team comprised of the ESOL teacher(s), home language teacher (if any), administrator (or designee), parent(s), guidance counselor, social worker, school psychologist, or other educator(s). The ELL committee meets as often as necessary to address the needs and concerns of ELL students.

Parent Leadership Council
The Parent Leadership Council (PLC) is established at the school and district level to encourage parental involvement of the English Language Learners (ELL) program and overall school academic achievement. Each school identifies parents who will serve as representatives for the district PLC. The District PLC meets five times a year to establish goals and improve the school to district communication. The Multilingual Services Department facilitates and assists the council in conducting meetings and training activities.

You can find more information at the OCPS Multilingual Services site.