How does the ESL program work?
Depending on the English proficiency level of the student, students receive academic support in class from their ESL Certified classroom teacher. These students are NOT pulled from their classrooms. The Language Coach provides pull-out, small group instruction for students with very little to no English Language. The Language Coach also co-teach with teachers providing classroom support for all students. The student’s ESL certified classroom teacher may provide language services for the advanced language learners. If you’d like to learn more about FISD’s ESL/Bilingual program, click here.
How does a student qualify?
When a student enrolls, the parent fills out a Home Language Survey. If a language other than English is spoken in the home, by law, an Oral Language Proficiency Test (OLPT) is administered to assess the student's level of listening and speaking.
How does a student exit the program?
Students in kindergarten are not eligible to exit ESL.
First and second grade students can exit at the end of the school year by meeting the following state criteria:
· Advanced High rating on TELPAS for listening, speaking, reading and writing
· 40th percentile or higher on ITBS
Students in 3rd grade and up must:
· Achieve an Advanced High rating on TELPAS for listening, speaking, reading and writing
· Pass the Reading (3rd, 4th, 5th grades) and Writing (4th grade) STAAR test.
How are ELLs assessed?
· English language learners receive grades on grade level class work with accommodations and support from their classroom teacher and/or the Language Coach.
· Recent immigrants who are non-English speaking may not receive grades for up to the first semester of enrollment in U.S. schools, if appropriate for the student.
· Each spring, ELL's are assessed through TELPAS.
Students in K-1st are given a rating of Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, or Advanced High based on teacher observations in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Students in 2nd-5th grade take an online reading assessment to earn a rating of Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, or Advanced High. Their writing rating is based on a writing collection rated by a certified TELPAS rater. Ratings for listening and speaking are based on teacher observation using state criteria.
Students in 3rd-5th grade participate in STAAR testing. Recent immigrants who are eligible may take STAAR Math or Science online and have it read aloud and have certain words defined or simplified. There is no alternative test for Reading or Writing; however, eligible students may have accommodations such as extended time, small group or individual administration, or use of a district-issued bilingual translation dictionary.
My child attended Pre K at the Early Childhood School. Are they automatically in the ESL Program?
Yes, if your child attended ECS for Pre K they will receive ESL services in Kindergarten and First grade. Students who qualified for Pre K due to limited English language are not eligible to exit ESL until the end of first grade and must meet state exit criteria. (see above)
How can I help my ESL student?
· Read a wide variety of books on different subjects. Visit the local library to check out books and videos.
· Use every day activities as a way to reinforce vocabulary.
· Spend time in conversation with your child speaking in complete sentences.
· Listen to audio books or books online and check out the suggested websites listed on the last page.