PISD Bilingual and English as a Second Language Program

Princeton ISD recognizes that the mastery of English language skills is a prerequisite to effective participation in the state's educational program. Bilingual education and special language programs can meet the needs of students who are English Learners (ELs) and facilitate their integration into the regular school curriculum. Therefore, in accordance with state (Texas Education Code 29.051 and Texas Administrative Code 89.1201) and federal (Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements to ensure equal educational opportunity to every student, and in recognition of the educational needs of English Learners, Princeton ISD provides bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for each student identified as an EL in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve.

Definitions

English Learner (EL) is defined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1203 as a student who is in the process of acquiring English and has another language as the primary language. The terms English language learner and English learner are used interchangeably and are synonymous with limited English proficient (LEP) student, as used in TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter B.

Bilingual Education Program is a full-time program of instruction for students in Grades PK-5 in which both the students’ home language and English shall be used for instruction. Bilingual education is required for grades PK-5 if 20 or more EL students are enrolled in one grade level. PISD has 20 or more EL students whose native language is Spanish.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is defined by the Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.052 as a program of intensive instruction in English from teachers trained in recognizing and dealing with language differences. The purpose of Princeton ISD's ESL program is to provide second language instruction for elementary students of other languages than Spanish and older students in grades 6-12 in which bilingual education is not available.

The goal of bilingual education and English as a second language programs (ESL) shall be to enable English learners to become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language. Bilingual education and ESL programs shall be integral parts of the total school program. These programs shall use instructional approaches designed to meet the specific language needs of English learners. Such programs shall emphasize the mastery of English language skills, as well as mathematics, science, and social studies, as integral parts of the academic goals for all students to enable English learners to participate equitably in school. The basic curriculum content of the programs shall be based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) required by the state. These programs shall be designed to consider the students' learning experiences and shall incorporate the cultural aspects of the students' backgrounds. The program shall address the affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs of EL students.