Othello School District

Othello School District’s ELL program assists English Language Learner (ELL) students in achieving English language competency, and academic success, while honoring and valuing students’ cultural heritage and identity.

The ELL program is about supporting students so they become competent in English and successful in all subjects. Our ELL classrooms honor and respect the students’ cultural heritage each day.

Transitional bilingual instruction for students learning English

The district’s English Language Learner program provides services to over 1,300 students. It is also known as the transitional bilingual instruction program. The program gives students the support they need to successfully learn conversational and academic English. The ELL program is available to qualified students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Enrollment in ELL

Parents complete a Home Language Survey (HLS) at the school when they register their student. If the parent indicates that the student’s primary language is something other than English, the student is referred for the Washington English Language Proficiency Assessment Placement Test (WELPA). This test checks a student’s overall ability to communicate and understand English through speaking, listening, reading and writing. A certified ELL Specialist or trained WELPA proctor administers the test. If a student scores at Level 1, 2 or 3, he/she is
eligible for transitional/bilingual services.

Schools with ELL programs

The English Language Learner (ELL) program and accompanying services are offered at all Othello School District schools.