An Emergent Bilingual (EB) student is a student who is in the process of acquiring English and has another language as the primary language. The term emergent bilingual student replaced the term English learner in the Texas Education Code 29, Subchapter B after the September 1, 2021, update.

Why is the term used instead of English Learner (EL) or English Language Learner (ELL)?

• It's a positive term that emphasizes that both languages are valuable. 
• It's an asset-based term that focuses on the potential for bilingualism. 
• It encourages schools to celebrate linguistic diversity. 

Identification

1. Parents fill out a Home Language Survey (HLS) when a child is first registered for a Texas public school.
2. If parents put a language other than English, the child is scheduled to test their English level.
3. The child's English levels are tested using the LAS Links Battery of language proficiency assessments.
   • Pre-K - 1st Grade are tested on Speaking and Listening
   • 2nd - 12th Grades are tested on Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing
4. Based on the child's score, the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will classify your child as English proficient or as an emergent bilingual student.
5. The LPAC will recommend a bilingual education program (bilingual or ESL) and get approval from the parent.

Reclassification

In order for a student to be reclassified, or be considered English proficient, they will need to take and pass the required tests based on their grade level.

Texas English Learner Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS)

Tests the student’s English language proficiency for Kindergarten through 12th grade.

State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)

Tests the student’s academic knowledge of English for 3rd through 8th grade.

End of Course (EOC)

Tests the student’s academic knowledge of English for 9th and 10th grade.

Iowa Assessments, Form F

Tests students showing high levels of English proficiency in the area of English academic achievement in grades 1-2 and 11-12.

A student may only be reclassified as English proficient

• at the end of the school year,
• based on the LPAC’s recommendation when STAAR, EOC, and TELPAS data are reviewed, and
• it is determined if that the student has met the state’s criteria for reclassification as English proficient.

Parental approval of program exit is required in order for a student to exit program services.

Elementary

• Dual Language One-Way: Emergent bilingual students receive instruction in literacy and academic content in their partner language as well as English from teachers certified in bilingual/ESL education. At least 50% of the instruction is delivered in the students’ primary language for the duration of the program.
• ESL Content-Based: Emergent bilingual students receive all content area instruction (English language arts and reading, mathematics, science, and social studies) by ESL certified teachers. Delivery of content includes CBLI practices.

Secondary

• ESL Pull-Out: Emergent bilingual students receive their English language arts and reading instruction from an ESL certified teacher. All content areas will include CBLI practices.