Qualifying for ESL Services 

All Texas schools follow the same guidelines for the identification of students for ESL services. The Texas English Learner Portal designed by TEA provides information for parents about these processes, including an overview of the identification process, explanation of the language assessments administered throughout the year, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The ESL Program Parent Brochure provided by TEA is available to download as a PDF in English and Spanish. To download a copy of this resource, please choose a language: 

English: English as a Second Language (ESL) Program 

Spanish: Programa de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL)

In AISD, ESL program processes may occur at your child's campus. We provide the Pk/K Pre- LAS and LAS Links 1st through 5th language proficiency assessments. This assessment is used to identify students for language program services and may also be administered to assess language progress. For more information about this assessment, please contact your home campus and ask to speak with an ESL specialist.

ESL Services Provided in Accordance with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89

In AISD, all English Learners receive ESL services in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89 regarding ESL program requirements. 

• ESL students receive ESL services from their ESL certified classroom teacher.
• Teachers support ESL students’ affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs.
• Teachers provide instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) with linguistic support outlined the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).

Please visit TAC Chapter 89 to learn more about Texas requirements for ESL program services.

ESL Services Provided by Teachers Trained in Second Language Acquisition Strategies
All English Learners receive ESL services from their classroom ESL certified teacher. In addition, all teachers of English Learners receive training in research-based Sheltered Instruction strategies designed to support second language acquisition and the development of academic language in all content areas in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

ESL Services at Elementary
Our English as a Second Language program offers a pull-out or push-in or hybrid model. Instruction concentrates on improving the students’ academic English language proficiency using ELPS and TEKS by placing students with an ESL certified teacher. 

NEWCOMERS: NEW TO COUNTRY

Hybrid Model: Pull-out/Push-In

Program Model: Beginning ELs who need to develop “survival” English skills are pulled out. Specialist and Classroom teachers will determine how to meet the needs of Newcomers based on Formal Assessment- Pre-LAS or LAS links and Informal Assessments. Schedule of services for pull out will be determined by the LPAC committee and as students advance in their English language proficiency. ESL specialists will reevaluate the model of the program for students.

PRE-KINDER: 

Program Model: ESL specialist will give initial Pre-Las to students to indicate the level of proficiency.  ESL Specialists with LPAC will recommend linguistic accommodations. ESL specialists at the end of the year will revisit with students to reevaluate with Pre-LAS to see language growth and which accommodations will best help students in Kindergarten. 

KINDERGARTEN-1st GRADE: 

Hybrid Model: Pull-out/Push-In

Program model: ESL Specialists work with classroom teachers to look at grouping students on their proficiency levels to help in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Pull out will be determined by the formative and informal assessment, LPAC committee and/or RTI committee.  ESL Specialists will develop strategies, linguistic accommodations and regular visits in classrooms to coach and guide teachers and students in language learning.

2nd-5th GRADE:

Push-in

Program model: ESL Specialists work with classroom teachers to look at grouping students on their proficiency levels to help in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Pull out will be determined by the formative and informal assessment, LPAC committee and/or RTI committee.  ESL Specialists will develop strategies, linguistic accommodations and regular visits in classrooms to coach and guide teachers and students in language learning.

Campus-based services are monitored and individualized according to need.

Resources for Parents & Families

Relevant information and accessible resources for parents and families of English learners to support the education of their child. Tips for Families with English learners: English & Spanish. 

All Texas schools follow the same guidelines for the identification of students for ESL services. The Texas English Learner Portal designed by TEA provides information for parents about these processes, including an overview of the identification process, an explanation of the language assessments administered throughout the year, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The ESL Program Parent Brochure provided by TEA is available to download as a PDF in English and Spanish.  To download a copy of this resource, please choose a language: 

English: English as a Second Language (ESL) Program 

Spanish:Programa de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL)

In AISD, ESL program processes may occur at your child's campus. We provide 6th-12th students LAS links language proficiency assessments. This assessment is used to identify students for language program services and may also be administered to assess language progress. For more information about this assessment, please contact your home campus and ask to speak with an ESL specialist.

ESL Services Provided in Accordance with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89

In AISD, all English Learners receive ESL services in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89 regarding ESL program requirements. 

• ESL students receive ESL services from one or more ESL certified teachers.
• Teachers support ESL students’ affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs.
• Teachers provide instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) with linguistic support outlined the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).

Please visit TAC Chapter 89 to learn more about Texas requirements for ESL program services.

ESL Services Provided by Teachers Trained in Second Language Acquisition Strategies

All English Learners receive ESL services from their classroom ESL certified teacher. In addition, all teachers of English Learners receive training in research-based Sheltered Instruction strategies designed to support second language acquisition and the development of academic language in all content areas in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

ESL Services Provided in Linguistically Accommodated English Language Arts Courses
We offer linguistically accommodated English Language Arts courses in middle school and high school with curriculum and supplemental instructional materials specially designed to meet the needs of beginning and intermediate level English Learners. Please contact your school's ESL Specialist or Counselor for the most up-to-date ESL course offerings available.

ESL Services Provided in Conjunction with All Other Special Programs
All ELs have opportunities to participate in courses that are designated as General Education, Special Education, Gifted/Talented, Career and Technology Education, Pre-AP, and AP courses with integrated linguistic support. For more information about the special programs and available courses at your school, please contact your school counselor for more information

Campus-Based Support for English Learners
Every middle school and high school in AISD is served by an ESL Specialist who is responsible for ESL student support. Your ESL specialist can assist you with:

• information about the instructional support that is available to help your child be successful
• processes to qualify and receive ESL services, including language proficiency assessments
• accessing your child’s grades, coursework, and other digital information
• finding the contact information for your child's teachers and other campus staff