This FAQ will share common questions we receive from our community that deal with general Bilingual and ESL concerns. For more specific program model questions visit the program model specific sites, or contact a program support specialist.
Bilingual and ESL programs are State approved services for students that speak another language other than English.
Bilingual program services support English development with a certified bilingual teacher utilizing the home language to learn English.
ESL program services support English development with a certified ESL teacher utilizing specific strategies to promote second language acquisition.
Bilingual and ESL Services are clustered at specific campuses to centralize services within groups of schools. If your campus does not have the program services your child qualifies to receive, those services will be offered at the designated cluster campus.
Currently, two middle school campuses, Stinson and Ross offer the dual language program.
At this time there is not a bilingual or dual language program at high school.
All middle and high schools offer ESL services.
In Elementary, a certified bilingual or ESL teacher will instruct your child in all content areas.
All middle school teachers are trained on second language acquisition methodology, all ELA teachers who serve EL are ESL certified, and an English language development course is taught by the ESL teacher.
In High Schools ELs are instructed by an ESL certified teacher in their English Language Arts courses.
All high school teachers who serve an EL are trained on the second language acquisition methodology.
Yes
Students who receive services in other programs, such as special education, 504, response to intervention, and gifted/talented or advanced academics, may also participate in the bilingual education program.
The LPAC, in conjunction with other student service committees, meets to discuss and coordinate services based on the educational need of your child.
Bilingual - Research indicates that children who participate in a bilingual education program
- build on a literacy foundation in their primary language to acquire stronger cognitive and academic skills in English;
- are more likely to develop a bicultural identity, become biliterate, and have higher self-esteem; and
- may use their bilingual skills to access competitive job opportunities in a global world.
Students identified as as English Learner in the program or declines will take TELPAS as part of the State required assurances that they have met Advanced High levels of Proficiency and demonstrate high levels of academic achievement based on their performance on the STAAR.
Yes
There is transportation for students enrolled in the ESL program.
Yes
There are summer programs for students in the Bilingual or ESL program.
Elementary:
PK/K Bilingual or ESL program attend State Mandated. 1st-5th Regular Summer School. Newcomer 1st-5th attend Newcomer Summer School.
Yes
If your student is enrolled in a STAAR tested course they will be tested. Accommodations will be provided during testing for students being serviced in the Bilingual/ESL program.
Yes
An interpreter will be provided for meetings, when requested.
The district utilizes an interpretation service for communication via the telephone.
The mastery of English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills is required in the program.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is an integral part of the bilingual education program.
- Academic instruction begins in the student’s first language and transitions into English.
Yes
Schools must communicate information to limited English proficient parents in a language they can understand about any program, service, or activity that is called to the attention of parents who are proficient in English.
Yes
If your English learner qualifies for Bilingual/ESL services, the programs can be reoffered.