English As A Second Language Department Banner: A teenage girl reads to a young boy.

English as a
Second Language

English as a
Second Language

  • The English as a Second Language Department is working remotely Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays. Any requests or inquiries received on Fridays will be addressed the following Monday. Thank you for your understanding.

    ESL HD Activities Hub
    Visit the PPS ESL HD Activities Hub to see our collection of device-free activities and support materials designed help our EB families participate in their student's learning.

    ESL Chat Time

  • OUR VISION
    We invest in inclusive quality instruction that honors students’ racial, cultural and linguistic assets.

    OUR MISSION
    We prepare educators at PPS with the perspectives and resources needed to ensure that every EB is ready to succeed in our schools and thrive in our community.

  • ESL Community Agent Support Services

    To submit a request for Community Agent Support, click here.

Oregon ELL Report

  • The Oregon English Language Learner Report is an annual publication required by law (ORS 327.016), which reports on financial information for English language learner programs, the objectives and needs of students eligible for and enrolled in an English language learner program, as well as provides information on the demographics of students in English language learner programs in each school district. In addition, this report provides a tool that makes data on English language learners accessible to researchers, media, students, and parents.

    El Informe sobre los estudiantes del idioma inglés de Oregon es una publicación anual obligatoria por ley (ORS 327.016), que brinda información financiera de los programas para estudiantes del idioma inglés (English language learner, ELL), los objetivos y las necesidades de los estudiantes elegibles para un programa para estudiantes del idioma inglés y que están inscrito en uno y brinda los datos demográficos de estudiantes en programas de este tipo en cada distrito escolar.

ESL Contacts

Veronica Magallanes
ESL Director
(503) 916-6525
Jennifer Hernandez
Assistant Director
(503)-916-3198
Jennifer Anderson
ESL Academic Programs Administrator
503-916-6525
Katherine Hu
ESL Special Programs Administrator
503-916-3147
Francisco Garcia
Student Success Program Manager
(503) 916-3097

ODE Memo - ESL Promotions

  • I wanted to share with you the February 28, 2019 ODE Executive Memo directing districts to stop ESL reclassification via portfolio processes, promotion and alternative promotions. PPS and all districts can no longer use these alternative promotion processes to exit students from ESL program and shall comply immediately. English Learners may only be exited from an EL program if they receive a proficient score on Oregon’s English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA21).

    I understand the many questions this may raise. I want to also share that I believe in the work that we have done specifically with aligning our instruction to the new ELP standards, investing in Quality Teaching for English Learners and the programmatic instructional changes that hold together and increase our student's attainment of English and critical thinking skills. I have much confidence that our continued efforts will prepare more of our students to pass ELPA21 and be on track to reach English proficiency.

    Veronica Magallanes, Director of ESL
    x74948    vmagallanes@pps.net

  • PPS State Plans

    Revised: May 31, 2019 - The English Language Learner Local Plan 2017-19 provides guidance and direction to all Portland Public Schools (PPS) educators, our families and students regarding the options available for providing quality programs and services for our Emergent Bilinguals (EBs). It also articulates the expectations that the district holds for each school and classroom in the District. (Read More)

    Statement of Assurance Amendment (Exiting Policy Change)