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English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Lamar CISD’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Education Program begins with ESL classes in PK. For students in grades PK-12, Lamar CISD implements a Content Based Language Instruction model. Students receive 100% of their instruction in English. Teachers use research-based strategies to assist students in acquiring knowledge of the English Language while learning content area concepts and skills.

  • ESL is intensive English language instruction by teachers trained in effective language acquisition strategies who work with English Learners.

  • ESL instruction shall be equivalent with the student’s level of English proficiency and academic achievement.

  • An ESL program provides intensive instruction that develops competency in the listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language.  

  • An ESL program uses the academic and cultural background of the student as a platform to provide the appropriate instruction in English.

 

A teacher sits on a desk in a classroom, holding a tablet and smiling as students raise their hands to answer a question.

ESL Program Brochures

  • ESL Program Model (English)

    ESL is an intensive English language instruction program provided by ESL certified teachers who are trained in effective second language acquisition methods. The goal of an ESL program is for emergent bilingual students to attain full proficiency in English in order to have access to fully participate in school. The information below highlights the process of identifying emergent bilingual (EB) students.

  • ESL Program Model (Spanish)

    El ingles como segunda idioma (ESL, por sus siglas en inglés) es un programa intensivo de instrucción en el idioma inglés proporcionado por maestros certificados en ESL que están capacitados en métodos efectivos de adquisición de un segundo idioma. El objetivo de un programa de ESL es que los estudiantes bilingües emergentes alcancen el pleno dominio del inglés en inglés para poder tener acceso a participar plenamente en la escuela. La información a continuación destaca el proceso de identificación de estudiantes bilingües emergentes (EBs, por sus siglas en inglés).

  • ESL Program Model (Vietnamese)

    ESL là chương trình giảng dạy tiếng Anh chuyên sâu được cung cấp bởi các giáo viên được chứng nhận ESL, những người được đào tạo về phương pháp tiếp thu ngôn ngữ thứ hai hiệu quả. Mục tiêu của chương trình ESL là giúp học sinh song ngữ mới nổi đạt được trình độ tiếng Anh thành thạo để có thể tham gia đầy đủ vào trường học. Thông tin dưới đây nhấn mạnh quá trình xác định học sinh song ngữ (EB) mới.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Resources

  • Lamar CISD Project L.E.A.R.N

    Lamar CISD Project L.E.A.R.N. (Let's Eliminate At-Risk Needs) is a comprehensive family literacy and education program designed to support the academic and personal growth of both children and their parents.

  • ¡Colorín colorado!

    ¡Colorín colorado! is a bilingual, research-based resource supported by Lamar CISD and designed to empower families and educators of English language learners (ELLs).

  • TEA Parent and Family Resources

    TEA Parent and Family Resources is a comprehensive initiative by the Texas Education Agency that provides families with the tools and information they need to support their child’s education.

  • TEA Family Supports

    TEA Family Supports is a Texas Education Agency initiative focused on helping families of students with disabilities navigate the special education system with confidence and clarity.

  • TEA Parents and Families Newsletter

    The TEA Parents and Families Newsletter is a monthly publication from the Texas Education Agency designed to keep families informed, connected, and engaged in their child’s education.

  • TEA Supporting My Child

    TEA Supporting My Child is a user-friendly resource from the Texas Education Agency that helps families understand and navigate the special education process.

ESL Frequently Asked Questions

    • An ESL program develops competence in English.

    • An ESL program prepares students to be successful in all academic subjects. 

    • An ESL program emphasizes the mastery of English language skills using research-based sheltered instructional strategies. 

    • Academic instruction is provided by teachers who are trained in second language acquisition methods.

    • Teachers understand the specific language needs of English learners and how to address them.

    • Recognition of an English learner’s academic, cultural, and linguistic background.

    • Adapted instruction, pacing, and materials to target an English learner’s language proficiency level.

    • Student in prekindergarten through high school who speak or hear another language other than English in their home

    • Students will be assessed in language proficiency and based on their results, a recommendation for placement will be made by the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), and parent permission will be required for participation.

    • Yes, all students in an ESL program will receive instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills  (TEKS) in English with linguistic accommodations based on their English language proficiency level.

    • Yes, language arts, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies are fundamental  parts of the state mandated curriculum.

    • Yes, students will have opportunities to participate in arts, music, and physical education which are part of a balanced curriculum.  

      Texas Education Code§29.051 STATE POLICY. English is the basic language of this state.  Public schools are responsible for providing a full opportunity for all students to become competent in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending the English language.  The mastery of basic English language skills is a prerequisite for effective participation in the state’s educational program. 

  • Teachers, who are highly qualified, specially trained, and certified to teach in ESL programs that meet the language needs of students

    • The focus is on learning social and academic English within the context of all content areas subjects.

    • State -adopted ESL materials and ESL certified teachers support students to become proficient in English, learn the knowledge and skills in the TEKS, and reach their full academic potential. 

    • Parent approval is required to allow their child to participate and benefit from the program. 

    • Parents can become involved at home by encouraging their child to achieve, providing him/her a place to study and showing interest in his/her schoolwork.

    • Parent can review social and academic English with students on a regular basis. 

    • In elementary, the state-approved ESL program model is content based ESL.
    • In secondary, the state-approved ESL program model is pull-out ESL.