English Learner Outcomes Program and Education Service District Partnership

The Oregon Department of Education’s EL Outcomes Program (HB 3499) addresses disparities experienced by English and multilingual learners and their outcomes in the K-12 education system. As part of that effort, the Program engages EL Specialists in five Education Service Districts (ESDs), who support small and rural districts in Oregon.

History and Context of the EL Outocomes Program (HB3499)

Passed in the 2015 legislative session. The EL Outcomes Program directs ODE to develop and implement a statewide strategic education plan for Multilingual and English Language Learners (ML/EL learners) in the K-12 education system to:

Address disparities experienced by EL/ML learners
Address the historical practices leading to disproportionate outcomes for EL/ML students
Address the educational needs of EL/ML students in K-12 education by examining culturally appropriate best practices in Oregon and the nation
Also directs ODE to:

Publish a yearly report on the progress of English Learners
Establish a state-level EL Advisory Group to inform ODE on policy affecting English Learner Communities, and
Stipulates that if a school district does not meet expected growth and expected benchmarks in student progress indicators, the agency would direct the district to expend funds under ORS 327.013(1)(c)(A)(II) (ELL weight) for up to three years

In HB 3499 statute, districts with less than 20 ELs cannot be identified into an EL Outcomes Program cohort district. To account for this, an ESD partnership was developed to support districts across the state with less than 20 ELs

A portion of the funds from HB 3499 were used for the hiring of ESD EL Specialists from five ESDs throughout the state: Malheur, Intermountain, Clackamas, Willamette, and South Coast ESD

We collaborated with the community and other offices throughout the department in the strategic selection of these five ESDs. The ESD EL Specialists provide technical assistance and support to improve student outcomes that are in alignment with the EL Outcomes Program’s 14 district data profile indicators.

Project External Evaluation Results