ODE: English Learner Program participants perform better

The Oregon Department of Education shared insights Thursday on the outcomes of the English Learner Programs, which prepare all English Learner students with the language and academic skills necessary to access and achieve success in college and multiple career pathways.

Of note is the 83 percent graduation rate for five-year completers, which is above the statewide average of 79 percent for the same group. The data also shows a climb in the number of program participants to continue their education at college.

The findings come via a report released Thursday that provides an in-depth look at English Learner students in Oregon. The report, required under Oregon Revised Statute 327.016 , provides the public with the range of results for English Learners in each of the state’s 197 school districts for the 2016-17 school year, including variances in demographic, financial and assessment figures.

For this report, students described as Current English Language Learners ( ELLs ) are those who were enrolled in English language services during the 2016-2017 school year. Former ELLs are students who were not enrolled in English language services during the 2016-2017 school year, but did in a prior year.

“The report points out that students who complete English Learner programs graduate at a higher rate than the statewide average. This outcome provides an important reminder: Our students are resilient and ready to learn. When the state, districts, communities, and families partner to provide high quality programs, our children thrive,” Colt Gill, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, said. “When we focus our collective efforts, our children succeed. Their success improves their future prospects and our state’s economic future.”

Among the findings in the report:

· The five-year graduation rate for students who completed English Learner programs is 83 percent, above the statewide average of 79 percent.

· Fifty-one percent of students who completed an English Learner program and graduated from high school went on to college. That is 2 percentage points higher than the previous year.

· English Learners make up about 10 percent of the student body statewide, but that number varies from less than 5 percent in some districts to more than 35 percent in others.

· Spanish is the most common home language of English Learner students, but there were more than 50 other languages spoken in districts around the state.

· Students who are able to demonstrate proficiency in both English and a partner language are also eligible for the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy on their d iploma. The Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy helps students demonstrate an asset that improves college and career opportunities.