The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program in the School District of Osceola County serves students who have been identified as English Language Learners (ELL). The students are enrolled in appropriate grade level courses of Language Arts/ESOL, Math, Science, Social Studies and Computer Literacy. ELL students are introduced to the various cultural aspects of American society to facilitate their transition into the community life of their new country. Students who meet the eligibility criteria as a result of a screening process are served in the ESOL Program. An assessment model was developed for evaluating and placing all potential ELL students. The aural/oral test and the reading and writing sections of a norm-referenced test used to determine eligibility into the program are approved by the Florida Department of Education.

What is ESOL?

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages.

What are ESOL services?

ESOL services are designed specifically to improve the language proficiency of students whose native language is not English. Students have access to the grade-level curriculum and all school services. Teachers are qualified to teach English for Speakers of Other Languages.  

How does my child qualify for ESOL services?

It starts with the home language survey when you enroll your student during the registration process. Parent/guardian answered “yes” to any of the three home language survey questions:

1. Is a language other than English used in the home?
2. Does the student have a first language other than English?
3. Does the student most frequently speak a language other than English?

Answering "Yes" to one or more of the home language survey questions will require your child to be screened for English language proficiency.

Does the school have to ask the parent’s permission to test their children?

No. The school is required by law to test the English proficiency of those students who answered affirmatively to any of the home language survey questions. This must be done during the first twenty days in school.

What is the criteria to exit the students from the program?

Students exit the ESOL program by passing the appropriate assessments and/or other considerations. 

Can parents refuse placement of their child in the program?

No. The child must be served for at least one semester before the ELL committee meets to discuss ESOL placement.