School districts in Texas are required by state law to assess the English language proficiency of all students whose Home Language Survey indicates that the home language is a language other than English. 
 
If a child demonstrates limited English proficiency on the assessment, s/he will be eligible for enrollment in the appropriate language program: Bilingual education or English as a Second Language (ESL).

The goal of both programs is to enable English language learners to become competent in the reading, listening, speaking, and writing of the English language through the development of literacy and academic skills in grade level content areas.

The following resource documents provide guidance from TEA related to English language learners:

• 2018-2019 List of Approved Tests for the Assessment of English Learners  

• 2017-2018 English Proficiency Exit Criteria Chart (PDF, 106KB) 

• Framework Manual for the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) Process (outside source) 

• Process for Exiting ELLs Receiving Special Education Services from Bilingual/ESL Programs (PDF, 51KB)  

• 2017 Required Summer School Program 

The goal of Bilingual education programs is to enable English language learners in grades PK-5 to become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language through the development of literacy and academic skills in the primary language and English.

Bilingual education is a full-time instructional program that utilizes the student’s native Spanish language as a foundation for teaching the academic content outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Student eligibility for the program is determined through the administration of Spanish and English language proficiency tests, and parent permission is required for entrance into the program. Bilingual education affords students of limited English proficiency an equal opportunity to master grade level TEKS using their native Spanish language while attaining proficiency in English. The amount of English used increases as the student acquires academic English proficiency, and the content area instruction is reinforced with the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).

Dual language immersion is an educational approach in which students learn two languages in an instructional setting that integrates subject content presented in English and another language. 

Stephenville ISD currently only offers a one-way dual language program model to English language learners in grades PK-5.  Students are identified according to state policy through the Home Language Survey and language proficiency assessments approved by TEA.

The Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model is the program adopted by Stephenville ISD.  To view more information about the Gomez & Gomez program, click here.  This site is the official Dual Language Institute site which offers many resources and information pertaining to the model and the founders of the model.  

Program Benefits of the Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model

• Pairing students increases language development as they work together to complete assignments and projects
• Increased opportunities to engage in content conversations to defend, clarify, extend, and explain concepts in the language of instruction
• Language of instruction challenges students to learn from one another and work together to construct meaningful knowledge
• Paired groups clarify meaning for one another when the content is taught in the second language
• Language of instruction challenges students to retain the information through discussions and teaching, and modeling for each other
• Program goals is for students to become biliterate and bilingual in English and Spanish

English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

The goal of ESL programs is to enable English language learners to become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language through the integrated use of second language methods.

English as a Second Language (ESL) is an intensive instructional program designed to develop proficiency in the listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language. Student eligibility for the program is determined through the administration of an English language proficiency test, and parent permission is required for entrance into the program. All instruction is provided in English and utilizes the TEKS and the ELPS for the cultivation of English language skills and the promotion of academic success in all grade level content areas.

Students are served at all Stephenville ISD campuses PK-12 through content-based instruction with the integrated use of second language acquisition instructional practices.  ESL certified support teachers are also available at every campus to assist in the classroom instruction and support student learning.

ESL Program Benefits

• Uses the academic and cultural background of the student as a platform to provide the appropriate instruction in English

• ESL instruction shall be commensurate with the student's level of English proficiency and academic achievement

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

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

 For more information about Bilingual/ESL Programs in Texas, please visit the Texas English Language Learners Portal & Parent Resources page.