Exiting ESL Program

The OELPA (Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment) was given for the first time in the winter of 2016.  Formerly the OTELA (Ohio Test of English Language Acquisition) was given to all identified students to determine their English Language Proficiency Level.

In order to exit an ESL program in the State of Ohio, EL students must demonstrate the ability to comprehend, speak, read and write the English language at a level in which they are able to:

1. Achieve successfully in classrooms where the language of instruction is English
2. Meaningfully participate in academic assessments in English
3. Participate fully in society in the United States

A student has attained the required level of English proficiency to exit a district’s ESL program when the student:

• Obtains an overall performance level of 3 - Proficient on the OELPA
  
• Overall performance level of 3 - Proficient is defined as any combination of 4s and 5s across all nonexempt domains of Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.