The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center helps districts expand access to high-quality world language instruction through live Interactive Video Distance Learning (IVDL). For more than two decades, ECOESC has connected students across the region with experienced language instructors, allowing districts to offer robust language programs without the need to staff every course locally.
Led by Coordinator of Distance Education Michele Carlisle, ECOESC’s program ensures reliable, seamless course delivery so schools and students can focus on learning. Today, ECOESC employs 18 world language instructors who provide live, daily instruction to students throughout the region.
Language Learning for Real World Communications
ECOESC world language instruction follows the nationally recognized ACTFL standards, emphasizing: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.
Students learn language through authentic, real-world experiences rather than memorization drills. Classes aim for students and instructors to spend more than 90 percent of instructional time using the target language, helping students build confidence and true language proficiency.
Flexible, Accessible Learning
All courses are delivered through live interactive distance learning using Zoom. Students participate in daily live instruction while also having access to recorded lessons through a secure login for review and support.
Courses Offered
Mandarin Chinese
Chinese I
Introduces spoken and written Mandarin, covering tones, pronunciation, and everyday communication such as introductions, greetings, ordering food, and asking directions. Students are introduced to the character-based writing system and may participate in immersion trips, writing contests, and the National Chinese Language Competition.
Chinese II
Builds on Chinese I with expanded spoken fluency and a greater emphasis on reading and writing characters. Vocabulary covers people, places, and daily activities through authentic dialogues. Students are eligible for the annual China summer study abroad program and continued immersion trip opportunities.
Chinese III
Advances all four skills with a focus on events, schedules, and real-world communication tasks such as reading maps, business cards, and road signs, and writing notes and agendas. Study abroad and immersion trip opportunities continue.
Chinese IV
An immersive advanced course focused on authentic texts, cultural fluency, and communicating across cultural and ideological boundaries. Students develop a sophisticated understanding of Chinese interpersonal behavioral culture and thought patterns, alongside strong oral and written proficiency.
American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL I
An introduction to ASL vocabulary, structure, syntax, grammar, and fingerspelling. Students learn conversational and cultural behaviors needed for beginning-level interaction with Deaf and hard-of-hearing users. Deaf culture and humor are woven throughout. All instruction is recorded daily for student access.
ASL II
Continues from ASL I with deeper grammatical study and improved receptive and expressive signing. Topics include number concepts (time, money, fractions), pronouns, directions, and everyday phrases. Deaf culture history continues.
ASL III
An intermediate course using a bilingual-bicultural approach to develop receptive and expressive fluency. Students interact with Deaf organizations, practice planned and impromptu conversations, and deepen skills in storytelling, ASL structure, and literature.
ASL IV
An advanced course applying task-based learning across practical, real-world topics. Students build complex communication skills and explore Deaf literature, analyzing stories for deeper cultural meaning and perspective.
Spanish
Spanish I
Introduces the present tense and foundational elements of the Spanish language alongside cultural exploration of the Hispanic world. Students develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills guided by Ohio’s Model World Language framework and its eight global themes.
Spanish II
Builds on Spanish I to develop deeper comprehension and communicative ability in the target language. Instruction continues to follow Ohio’s World Language Model Curriculum global themes, with proficiency-based practice as the guiding methodology.
English Language Instruction
English Learner (EL) students identified through the local district OELPA screener may receive direct English instruction as part of their daily academic schedule. TESOL-licensed instruction is guided by Ohio English Language Proficiency standards, with sessions scheduled in 60-minute increments or less based on individual student need and instructor availability.
Enrichment & Immersion Opportunities
- Chinese Immersion Trip — Students at all Chinese levels are invited to a weekend immersion trip to Flushing, New York, one of the most authentic Chinese communities in the United States.
- China Summer Study Abroad — Students who have completed Chinese II or higher are eligible for ECOESC’s annual China summer study abroad program.
- National Chinese Language Competition — Chinese students are invited to participate in annual writing contests and a national language competition, with winners advancing to interstate competition.
- Local & Regional Cultural Events — Classes have regular opportunities to participate in cultural events throughout the year as an extension of classroom learning.
Questions?
Interested in bringing world language courses to your district, or want to learn more about enrollment and scheduling?
Michele Carlisle
Coordinator of Distance Education