The Hermiston School District is one of eight in the state singled out by the Oregon Department of Education for meeting goals aimed at helping English Language Learners (ELL) gain proficiency in English.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released the Annual Measurable Achievement Objective (AMAO) report for 2014 today. The report describes the progress districts are making with their English Language Learners.
In its press release, the state’s education department congratulated Hermiston, as one of only eight districts (others being Cascade, Centennial, Culver, David Douglas, Eagle Point, Lake Oswego, and McMinnville) in the state who attained the lofty goals established. ODE staff will be contacting Hermiston, and its successful counterparts, to determine best practices that may be replicated throughout the state.
Hermiston results are identified and explained below.
• AMAO 1 refers to the percentage of students on track to attain English language proficiency demonstrated by achievement growth on the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA). Hermiston surpassed the state benchmark by 3 percent, with over half of its students demonstrating outstanding language acquisition growth on the ELPA test.
• AMAO 2A refers to the percentage of students who attain English language proficiency in less than five years. Hermiston again surpassed state expectations, almost doubling the number of students who attained English language proficiency in less than five school years.
• AMAO 2B identifies the percentage of students who attain English proficiency after five years of academic support. The state wants least 27 percent of students to be proficient after five years. Hermiston exceeded this standard with nearly 35 percent reaching proficiency.
“Continued efforts by our ELL specialists to align curriculum and collaborate with classroom teachers has created a remarkable learning environment for our language learner students,” said Bryn Browning, the district’s assistant superintendent and director of English Language Learner programs. “Likewise, classroom teachers across the district have embraced and modified their instruction to better educate students who are attempting to master the English language.”
Support for students and families has also been a focus for the district, said Browning. Over the last two years, Hermiston has partnered with Dr. Luis Cruz to help improve parent involvement and communication through “Parent University” opportunities.
