• To enable ELLs to become competent in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English.
• To provide ELLs with equal educational access and benefits.
• To give ELLs the opportunity to experience early academic success while they learn English as a second language.
• To build knowledge and learning in content areas as they acquire English.
• To help students celebrate their cultural heritage and increase self-assurance and confidence.
• To comply with Federal/ State legal regulations concerning the education of English language learners.

• ESL students are taught in English
• ESL students participate with English-speaking students in all content areas.
• ESL students are given the appropriate time of instruction with a certified ESL teacher.
• Students in ESL must receive instruction in the state-mandated curriculum, including language arts, reading, math, science, and social studies.
• TISD uses a content-based instructional model.
• Pre-K is offered for ESL students who will be four years old as of Sept. 1st.

• ESL certified teachers help students learn English as quickly as possible.
• ESL students, teachers, and campuses benefit from additional State funding for resources for ESL students.
• Students may have the opportunity to interact with others who speak the ELLs native language.
• ESL teachers provide instructional accommodations.

• An Oral Language Proficiency Test is administered based on the Home Language Survey completed at registration.
• Additional language assessment is completed if necessary.
• A Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), made up of a parent representative, administrators, and ESL teachers, reviews yearly student placements, programs and progress.

• Parents are welcome to visit the campus to view the program.
• Parents are encouraged to share information with teachers regarding culture and language and to serve as translators, liaisons, and as LPAC members.
• Parents are invited to participate in the PTA and in all other activities at school.
• Parents are encouraged to a) support student participation in the program; and, b) be positive with their children about the benefits of being in an ESL program.

• ESL teachers use small and large group instruction. Other strategies may include peer-tutoring, use of integrated technology, and cooperative learning.
• Students may be grouped homogeneously or heterogeneously by ability/proficiency levels, individual needs, random distribution, and/or according to assignments or projects.
• ESL teachers will work with individual groups (e.g. guided reading) while other students may undertake individual assignments.

The School may:

• Include diversity as an objective in the Campus Improvement Plan, and in the school's mission and vision statements.
• Encourage the development of a cultural calendar.
• Plan throughout the year celebrations that include culturally diverse artisans, storytellers, dancers, and musicians.
• Set up an ESL Parent Focus Group that will guide staff concerning culture, and serve as translators, liaisons, and LPAC members.
• Allocate resources to encourage appreciation and understanding of various cultures.
• Plan celebrations and displays at the school that will encourage the appreciation of diverse cultures.
• Encourage foreign language and multicultural clubs that explore various cultures.

Middle School

Middle school ESL students may receive ESL Language Arts, ESL Reading and study skills based upon the LPAC decision.

High School

High school ESL classes are part of the English department.  The following courses are offered to ELLs, based upon the LPAC decision:

• ESL study skills classes are available for students in content area classes.
• ESL I students (beginners) take ESL English, ESL Reading, and Study Skills.
• ESL II (Intermediate) students take ESL English and have a choice of either Study Skills or ESL Reading.
• Advanced ESL students are enrolled in a general education English class and a receive support through a Study Skills class.
• ELLs are provided Sheltered Instruction for content area courses.

• TISD does not currently offer Bilingual education.