English as a Second Language Program

• An ESL program develops competence in English.
• It prepares the student to be successful in all academic subjects.

• In elementary school, when there are fewer than 20 emergent bilingual students of the same language enrolled in the same grade in the district.
• In middle school and high school when there are emergent bilingual students.

Prekindergarten through high school students who speak or hear a language other than English in their home and who are not fluent in English.

• YES! All students in ESL must receive instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in English using strategies and methodologies appropriate for them.
• YES! Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are integral parts of the state-mandated curriculum.
• YES! Music, P.E., and Art are all part of the balanced curriculum that children in the program are required to receive.

Teachers who are specially trained, tested, and certified to teach in ESL programs meet the special language needs of these students.

• Teachers are appropriately certified by the state to teach ESL.
• State-adopted ESL materials are provided to help students learn through proven methods.
• The focus is on learning English for effective participation in other classes.

• Parents can volunteer for classroom activities.
• Parents can encourage their child at home to achieve, provide a place to study, and show interest in schoolwork.
• Parents can ask their child's teacher or principal about becoming a member of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), which helps determine how students will be taught.

Families new to the district are encouraged to begin the enrollment process before the first day of school. Enrollment forms can be obtained at any TISD campus. Enrollment requirements, locations, dates, and more can be found by visiting our Registration & Enrollment page.