A school district is required by law to provide bilingual and/or English as a Second Language, (ESL) education programs when 20 or more students enroll district wide in the same grade level with the same language classification. [TAC, Chapter 89.1205 (a) (b)], [TEC, Chapter 29.053 (c)]
Goals of Bilingual Education
The goals of Bilingual Education are to enable Limited English Proficient (LEP) students to become competent in the comprehension, speaking, reading and writing of English. The program emphasizes the mastery of English language skill as well in mathematics, science, and social studies, as for all students, and to enable identified English Language Learners (ELLs) to participate equally in school. [TAC, Chapter 89.1201 (b),(c),(d)]
Bilingual Education Programs at Comal ISD
Comal ISD provides three bilingual education programs:
- Transitional Bilingual, Late-exit
- Two-Way Dual Language
- One-Way Dual Language
- ESL (K-12th)
Transitional Bilingual – Late Exit
The purpose of the Transitional Bilingual – Late Exit program is the development of literacy skills in the student’s first language first, and transfer these skills to English. Instruction in the student’s first language is offered for an extended period of time. Instruction in the student’s first language is accompanied by instruction in English.
One-Way Dual Language Program (1WDL)
The purpose of the One-Way Dual Language Program is the development of fluency and literacy in English and another language for all students. A One-Way Dual Language classroom is composed of LEP students whose first language is other than English.
Two-Way Dual Language Program (2WDL)
The purpose of the Two-Way Dual Language Program is the development of fluency and literacy in English and another language for all students. A Two-Way Dual Language classroom is composed of LEP students who speak a language other than English in their homes in addition to students who speak English in their homes. Special attention is paid to LEP students participating in the program. [TAC, Chapter 89.1601, 89.1605]
Currently, in the school year 2010-2011, the 2WDL program exists in grades Kinder-1st at Morningside Elementary and Bill Brown Elementary. Clear Spring Elementary School's program serves Kindergarten.
*Parent Information Meetings for Two-Way Dual Language and Spanish Immersion*
Rahe Bulverde Elementary – TBA – Spanish Immersion
Hoffman Lane Elementary – TBA –Spanish Immersion
Morningside Elementary – TBA – Dual Language
Bill Brown Elementary – TBA – Dual Language
Clear Spring Elementary – TBA – Dual Language
English as a second language programs is an intensive program of instruction designed to develop proficiency in the comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition in the English language. Instruction in ESL is commensurate with the student's level of English proficiency and his or her level of academic achievement. In prekindergarten through Grade 8, instruction in English as a second language may vary from the amount of time accorded to instruction in English language arts in the regular program for non-limited English proficient students to a full-time instructional setting utilizing second language methods.
Comal ISD English Language Learner population - ELL (Bilingual and ESL)
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