Bilingual and English as a Second Language Education Programs

The English Learner Support Division provides direction and leadership with the implementation of Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs for English learners.

Announcements

Check out the English Learner Web Portal TXEL.ORG for continuously updated resources for Teachers, Leaders, Parents & Families of English learners, and Community Partners. 

Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) Guidance and Resources

• See TEA COVID-19 Support: Special Populations web page for continuously updated LPAC guidance for the 2020-2021 school year
• LPAC Framework Training and Resources 
• 2020-2021 Beginning-of-Year (BOY) LPAC Guidance Checklist
• 2020-2021 Middle-of-Year (MOY) LPAC Guidance Checklist
• 2020-2021 English Learner Reclassification Criteria Chart Updated Guidance as of February 25, 2021

2020-2021 English Learner Support Update Meetings with LEAs and ESCs

The TEA English Learner Support Division welcomes Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) to join our English Learner Support Update Meetings. See our EL Portal for dates, meeting links, presentations, and recordings. 

Program Requirement Resources  

These resources, tools, and web pages provide guidance on bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) program requirements:

• FAQ for English Learners and LPAC (Updated August 2020) 
• Building Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs as a Local Education Agency (LEA)  
• Guidance on Identification and Placement of English Learners Prior to Kindergarten
• Allowable Use of Bilingual Education Allotment (state) and Title III, Part A (federal) Funds Side-By-Side Document 
• LPAC Guidance for Deaf or Hard of Hearing English Learners and associated training video
• Bilingual Education Certification Pathways 
• TSDS PEIMS for English Learners
  • Explanatory video (Running time: 29:58) and PowerPoint 
  • LEP/EL Decision Chart LPAC with PEIMS codes 
  • Code Guide for Bilingual and ESL Program Association (Revised July 2020)

Program Requirement Resource Web pages  

• Framework Manual for the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) Process (outside source) 
• Guidance Related to ARD Committee and LPAC Collaboration 
• Bilingual Education Exception and ESL Waiver Resources   
• Single, Statewide Assessments for English Learners
  • Identification: Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) LAS Links Battery of Assessments (Texas-dedicated site)
  • Reclassification (Academic Achievement Component - Grades 1, 2, 11, and 12): Riverside Insights, Iowa Assessments, Form F (Texas-dedicated site)

Program Implementation Resources

The TEA English Learner Support Division is continuously developing program implementation resources for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to utilize in providing effective bilingual education and English as a second language (ESL) programs for English Learners that meet and exceed state requirements. 

English learner program implementation resources, including reviews of literature and program implementation rubrics associated tools, can be accessed through the English Learner Program Implementation Resources web page. 

Program Statutes   

The following statutes relate to bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) programs:  

• Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.051 -29.064 - Bilingual Education and ESL Programs

• Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 89. Adaptations for Special Populations Subchapter BB. Commissioner's Rules Concerning State Plan for Educating English Learners 

Title III, Part A – English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act

Title III, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as reauthorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), aims to ensure that English learners (ELs) and immigrant students attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English. Title III will also assist all English learners meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet.