Bilingual Program

What is the purpose of the Bilingual Education Program?

Enable students to become competent in literacy and academic skills in English through their native language.

To help English language learners (ELL) master the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) required by the state.

Who does the Bilingual Education Program Serve?

Students whose native language is Spanish and whose English language skills are such that the student is having difficulty performing class work in English.

English speaking students with district and parent approval may also participate in bilingual education programs through the dual language education program to become proficient in two languages.

Will my child be taught the same subjects and learn the same skills as students in the general education program?

Yes, all students in Bilingual Education will receive instruction in the TEKS in Spanish, their native language, and English.

Yes, language arts, reading, mathematics, science and social studies are taught as part of the state required curriculum.

What instruction will my child receive in a Bilingual Education program?

A full-time program of instruction for learning basic skills in the native language of the student by carefully structured and sequenced mastery of English language skills.  Instruction in Spanish and English for language arts and content areas using effective research-based strategies.

Instruction shall be designed to consider the student’s learning experiences, instill a positive identity and shall incorporate the cultural aspects of the student’s backgrounds.

Yes, in subjects such as art, music and physical education, students will have a meaningful opportunity to participate fully with English speaking students which are part of a balanced curriculum.

Will my child learn English in a Bilingual Education program?

Yes, the mastery of English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are required in the Bilingual Education program.

Yes, English as a Second Language (ESL)instruction is an integral part of the Bilingual Education program.

Yes, the academic instruction in the native language facilitates the transition to English.

PISD Bilingual Transitional Language Model

 Grade 
% of Spanish Instruction 
% of English Instruction
PK
90%
10%
K
80%
20%
1st
70%
30%
2nd
60%
40%
3rd
40%
60%
4th
20%
80%
5th/6th
10%
90%

How do I know if my child has been recommended for placement in the Bilingual Education program?

The Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) that determines how students are identified, placed, instructed and assessed shall give written notice to the student’s parent advising that their child has been recommended for the Bilingual Education program.

The LPAC should provide information describing the Bilingual Education program, its benefits to the student, and it being an integral part of the school program to ensure that parents understand the purposes and content of the program.

How can parents help?

Parents can participate as a member of the LPAC that helps determine how students are identified, placed, instructed and assessed.

Parents can become involved at home by encouraging their child to achieve, providing him/her a place to study and showing interest in his/her school work.

Parents can volunteer and help in classroom activities.