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Overview of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for Grades K-12
The ESL program is available at all AISD campuses. Certified and trained teachers provide ESL services for students whose native language is not English or who speak another language at home. Students receive instructional support through ESL classes and sheltered English instruction. They can exit the program once they demonstrate proficiency in English and meet the established exit criteria.
Assessment for Eligibility for the ESL Program
Any student who enrolls in a Texas public school and indicates on their Home Language Survey that a language other than English is spoken at home or by the student will be assessed for English language proficiency. The results of these assessments determine eligibility for the ESL programs and services. Below is a video outlining how English Learners are identified in our district. This process is used across the state and helps us provide our students with the necessary support and services.
How Argyle ISD Identifies English Learners
Identification of English Language Learners
Designed to make grade-level academic content accessible to English learners.
Target English language development, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, through academic content instruction that is linguistically and culturally responsive.
Use the academic, linguistic, and cultural background of English learners as a platform for acquiring grade-level content material in English.
Benefits of an ESL Program
Academic instruction is provided by teachers who:
are trained in effective second language acquisition methods;
understand the specific language needs of English learners and how to address them;
recognize the benefits of an English learner’s academic, cultural, and linguistic background; and
adapt instruction, pacing, and materials to target an English learner’s language proficiency level.
Linguistic accommodations on state assessments can be provided as needed.
Support in preparing specifically for the TELPAS assessment. We can help students become comfortable with the testing platform and the tools available, such as headsets and microphones.
TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System. It’s an annual assessment in Texas public schools designed to evaluate the English language proficiency of students learning English as a second language. TELPAS assesses students in four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Purpose:
TELPAS helps educators understand how well English language learners (ELLs), also known as Emergent Bilinguals (EB), are progressing in their English language development.
Who takes it:
TELPAS is administered to all students in Texas public schools identified as English learners, from kindergarten through grade 12.
Assessment areas:
TELPAS assesses students in four language domains:
Listening: How well students understand spoken English.
Speaking: How well students can communicate verbally in English.
Reading: How well students understand written English.
Writing: How well students can express themselves in writing.
How it's assessed:
TELPAS uses a combination of holistically-rated assessments (based on classroom observations and student work) and multiple-choice tests, depending on the grade level.
Proficiency levels:
TELPAS results are reported using proficiency levels, such as Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Advanced High, to indicate a student's level of English language proficiency.
Goal:
TELPAS's goal is to help educators tailor instruction to meet the specific needs of English language learners and support their academic success.
Proficiency Level Descriptors
Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) describe how well English learners (EB students) at each proficiency level can understand and use English to engage in grade-appropriate academic instruction. There are separate PLDs for listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
ELPS-TELPAS- Proficiency Level Descriptors
English Learner Web Portal
The Texas Education Agency provides resources that parents can use at home with their English Learner. Click on the links to find resources and information.
Support for English Language Learners
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