elementary ESL SERVICES IN LISD

Qualifying for ESL Services 

All Texas schools follow the same guidelines for identification of students for ESL services. The Texas English Learner Portal designed by TEA provides information for parents about these processes, including an overview of the identification process, explanation of the language assessments administered throughout the year, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The ESL Program Parent Brochure provided by TEA is available to download as a PDF in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. To download a copy of this resource, please choose a language: English, Spanish, or Vietnamese.

In LISD, ESL program processes may occur at our campuses and our district offices. We provide the Pk/K LAS and LAS Links 1st through 5th language proficiency assessments at our campuses and at our Welcome Center. This assessment is used to identify students for language program services and may also be administered to assess language progress. For more information about this assessment, please contact your child's school or contact Community Services at the LISD Welcome Center. 

ESL Services Provided in Accordance with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89

In LISD, all Emergent Bilingual (EB) students receive ESL services in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89 regarding ESL program requirements. 

• ESL students receive ESL services from their ESL certified classroom teacher.
• Teachers support ESL students’ affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs.
• Teachers provide instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) with linguistic support outlined in the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).

Please visit TAC Chapter 89 to learn more about Texas requirements for ESL program services.

ESL Services Provided by Teachers Trained in Second Language Acquisition Strategies

All Emergent Bilingual students receive ESL services from one or more ESL certified teachers. In addition, all teachers of EBs receive training in research-based Sheltered Instruction strategies designed to support second language acquisition and the development of academic language in all content areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). Many of the instructional strategies our teachers implement come from the following sources:

• 7 Steps to a Language-Rich Interactive Classroom
• Building Academic Vocabulary by Debra Pickering and Robert J. Marzano
• Talk, Read, Talk, Write: A Practical Routine for Learning in All Content Areas (K-12) by Nancy Motley
• Sheltered Instruction in Texas: Second Language Acquisition Methods for Teachers of ELs by John Seidlitz
• Motivating ELLs: 27 Activities to Inspire & Engage Students by Dr. Lora Beth Escalante
• Pathways to Greatness for ELL Newcomers: A Comprehensive Guide for Schools & Teachers by Michelle Yzquierdo
• Boosting Achievement: Reaching Students with Interrupted or Minimal Education by Carol Salva with Anna Matis
• 38 Great Academic Language Builders by John Seidlitz & Kathleen Kenfield
• Making Content Comprehensible for English Learners - The SIOP Model by Jana Echevarria, MaryEllen Vogt and Deborah Short

ESL Support Services Provided by Language Acquisition Specialists

Language Acquisition Specialists provide ESL Support Services for teachers through curriculum and supplemental instructional materials specifically designed to meet the needs of Emergent Bilingual students. Click here to contact your school's Language Acquisition Specialist for guidance.

ESL Services Provided in Conjunction with All Other Special Programs

All EBs have opportunities to participate in courses that are designated as General Education, Special Education, and Gifted/Talented with integrated linguistic support. For more information about the special programs and available courses at your school, please visit your school’s website.

Additional Language Enrichment Opportunities

In addition to the courses that we offer during the school year, LISD provides a summer language enrichment program, The Newcomer Immigrant Summer Academy (NISA), for EB students completing grades 1st through 4th. This is a structured, project-based, language-intensive program that provides students with the opportunity to continue building language skills throughout the month of June. For more information about this opportunity, please contact your campus Language Acquisition Specialist. 

LISD's English as a Second Language (ESL) program includes both Dual Language and Spanish Immersion students, but also students whose primary language is any language other than English. Students whose home language survey states any language other than English and have qualified as English Limited Proficient are included in LISD's ESL program. 

For more details about ESL, see the program requirements as defined by TEA here. 

Resources for Parents & Families

Relevant information and accessible resources for parents and families of Emergent Bilingual students to support the education of their child.

• Tips for Families with English learners: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Arabic.
• English Learners in Texas #1
• English Learners in Texas #2
• Adult ESL Classes