Hello! Welcome to the CPS English Leaners Program
Welcome to the Columbus Public Schools EL Program. We are happy to help you! Please feel free to contact our staff.
Programming and Proficiency at CPS
Elementary
Recently Arrived or Emerging Students
Recently Arrived Program at West Park:
For 3rd and 4th grade students who just arrived in the country and know very little English
Focus on English Language Development and writing with a bilingual instructor for half of the day
Participate in Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, music, technology classes with grade level peers at West Park
Recently Arrived Students who are in Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grade:
Spend most of the day in the grade level classroom
Taught English Language Development by an EL teacher for 25-50 minutes per day, depending on grade and language level
Receive para support in the grade level classroom
Progressing Students
Spend most of the day in the grade level classroom
Taught English Language Development by an EL teacher for 25-50 minutes per day, depending on grade and language level
Receive para support in the grade level classroom
Nearly Proficient Students
Spend the entire day in the grade level classroom
Receive para support in the classroom as needed
CMS
Recently Arrived or Emerging Students
Recently Arrived Program:
Receive 3 periods of instruction in an English Language Development course provided by an EL teacher
May receive sheltered (language-based) instruction in Math, Language Arts and History provided by an EL teacher
May receive para assistance
Progressing Students
Spend most of the day in the grade level classroom
Receive instruction in an English Language Development course from an EL teacher
Possibly receive para support in the grade level classroom
Nearly Proficient Students
Spend the entire day in the grade level classroom
Receive para support in the classroom as needed
CHS
Recently Arrived or Emerging Students
Recently Arrived Program:
Receive 3 periods of instruction in an English Language Development course provided by an EL teacher
May receive sheltered (language-based) instruction in Math, Language Arts and History provided by an EL teacher
May attend classes co-taught by content teachers and EL Specialists
May receive para assistance
Progressing Students
May receive sheltered (language-based) instruction in Math, Language Arts and History provided by an EL teacher
Attend some general education classes
May attend classes co-taught by content teachers and EL Specialists
May receive para assistance
Nearly Proficient Students
Usually attend general education classes
May receive sheltered (language-based) instruction in Math, Language Arts and History provided by an EL teacher
May attend classes co-taught by content teachers and EL Specialists
May receive para assistance
Testing
ELPA 21 Screener
How do students qualify for the EL program?
Families enrolling at CPS complete a Home Language Survey that asks questions about the languages used by the family. If the family lists a language other than English on the Home Language Survey, the ELPA Screener is given to the student to determine his or her level of skills with the English language. The student’s scores on the ELPA screener and the student’s previous participation in EL programs determine a student's placement in the EL program. The ELPA Screener identifies a student's language proficiency level which can be emerging, progressing or proficient. Students receiving a score of emerging or progressing are entered into the EL program. Students who score proficient on the screener do not enter the EL program. The ELPA Screener scores and additional EL placement tests help teachers determine specific EL classes most appropriate for the student.
ELPA 21 Summative
How do students exit the EL Program?
Annually, ELL students are required to take the State of Nebraska's English Language Proficiency exam (ELPA 21). ELPA 21 is an online assessment that assesses an ELL student's ability to listen, speak, read, and write the English Language. Students who receive scores that reflect skills of "proficient" English learners are eligible to exit the EL program.
Translation Services
To request written translations:
verify the need for translation in Synergy;
email your document to: cps.el@discoverers.org AND bahelbeles@discoverers.org.
*In your email, please include:
document needing translation;
date needing translation.
To request oral interpretation services
*Please keep in mind:
Translated documents are for communication purposes: (i.e. newsletter, parent letters, student progress reports).
If the document has been previously translated and you are requesting minor changes, please highlight any areas needing revision
Documents will be translated in the order they are received. Please indicate any urgencies.
Translated documents can take at least 48 hours to be completed.