The ESL Program

Philosophy

The ESL program is committed to educational excellence and continuous achievement for all English language learners by embracing bilingualism and biculturalism as valued resources.

Mission

The ESL Program believes that culturally and linguistically diverse students should be provided a consistently high quality education so that students are academically successful and prepared to meet the challenges of a changing world.

The Program

• Provides instruction for the English Language Learner in the most appropriate program format in accordance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines.
• Provides instruction that reflects the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and PISD curriculum guidelines in all content areas. 
• Promotes acceptance of ESL instruction as an integral part of the whole school program. 
• Promotes understanding and respect for diversity by students, parents, staff and community. 
• Enhances the student’s self-esteem and promotes a positive school climate. 
• Evaluates results and makes adjustments as warranted to address student learning at both campus and district levels. 
• Supports staff development on cultural and linguistic diversity and second language acquisition strategies/methodologies. 
• Addresses issues relating to staffing and instructional/organizational arrangements. 
• Communicates success of ESL programs to the students, parents, district,and community.
• Actively promotes parental involvement as an integral part of a student’s education.

The goals of the ESL program are for students to:

• Improve their English proficiency.
• Attain high levels of academic achievement in language arts and in content subjects.

The assessment measurements that will be used to analyze the goals are:

• TELPAS
• MAP 
• STARR/EOC

Source: Multilingual Education Handbook, Section 1 Revised on 09-03-12