Bilingual/Dual Language & ESL
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Bilingual & English as a Second Language Programs
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Our Mission
Ensure academic success for all emergent bilinguals by providing the most effective and innovative practices while fostering and enriching a positive identity with our students’ language and cultural heritage.Our Vision
Empower emergent bilinguals to achieve their highest potential and become active and competent members of their local and global societies.Denton ISD Giese Professional Support Services1303 N. Elm Street | Denton, TX 76201 • (940) 369-0450
Program Eligibility Steps
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Identification
Identification: When a student enrolls in a Texas public or charter school for the first time, they must complete a Home Language Survey. The survey has three questions:
- Which languages are used at home?
- Which languages are used by the child at home?
- If the child had a previous home setting, which languages were used?
If any of these questions have a language other than English, the child must take a language proficiency assessment. The campus will contact you to schedule a language testing appointment. The child’s campus will communicate results and share next steps.
Video (Amy and Brenda put the link here)
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Placement
If the language proficiency assessment shows the student is English proficient, they will be recommended for either a Dual Language (Bilingual) or English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom setting.
- Dual language: This is Denton ISD’s bilingual program. This will be recommended for students whose language other than English is Spanish.
- English as a Second Language: This will be recommended for students whose other language is not Spanish.
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English Language Proficiency Assessment
In addition to the regular state assessments, all students identified as Emergent Bilingual students, including parent denials, are required to take the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) annually until they can reclassify.
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Reclassification
At the end of the school year, a district may reclassify an emergent bilingual (EB) student/English Learner (EL) as English proficient if the student can participate equally in an English instructional program with no second language acquisition support.
There are three requirements:- TELPAS: Advanced High Composite Score
- STAAR: Approaches grade level or higher on English Reading
- Teacher subjective evaluation form: Satisfactory
What happens after reclassification?
- A dual language student no longer requires the EB code; however, they may remain in the program.
- An ESL student no longer requires the EB code or instruction from an ESL-certified teacher.
- Both dual language and ESL students who reclassify are monitored for two years.
Please visit the Texas Education Agency for a more detailed explanation of Identification & Placement, program services, reclassification, and exit, as well as student monitoring.
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English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL)
The Denton ISD ESL program provides a comprehensive support system for Emergent Bilingual students across all grade levels on all campuses, designed to develop English language proficiency while fostering academic achievement. The program is structured to support students in mastering their core subjects alongside proficiency in the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
At the elementary level (pre-K through 5th grade), Emergent Bilinguals are integrated into general education classes, where they learn alongside native English speakers. This inclusive environment is supported by linguistic accommodations aimed at accelerating English proficiency as students engage with grade-level content.
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One-way Dual Language
One-way Dual Language Program
Dual Language is the bilingual education program in Denton ISD. The dual language program is a comprehensive, full-time instructional program that builds on students’ native Spanish language to teach academic content based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students are eligible for the program through Spanish and English language proficiency testing, with parent permission required for enrollment. This program provides English learners an equal opportunity to master grade-level TEKS by using their native language while they develop proficiency in English. Content is taught in both English and Spanish, starting in Pre-K. Instruction is guided by district standards to ensure age-appropriate, balanced bilingual education, allowing students to thrive academically in both languages.
One language group of students is participating. All students speak Spanish as their first language and are becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.
Campuses and grade levels participate:- Alexander Elementary Pre-K-5
- Borman Elementary Pre-K-5
- Evers Elementary K-5
- McNair Elementary Pre-K-5
- Newton Rayzor Elementary Pre-K-5
- Rivera Elementary Pre-K-5
- WS Ryan Elementary Pre-K-5
- Cross Oaks Elementary Pre-K-2
- Union Park Elementary Pre-K-2
- Ann Windle for Young Children Headstart & Pre-K
Placement may be recommended by each campus’s Language Proficiency Assessment Committee for students who are identified as Emergent Bilingual and whose native language is Spanish.
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Two-way Dual Language
Two-way Dual Language Program
Dual Language is the bilingual education program in Denton ISD. The dual language program is a comprehensive, full-time instructional program that builds on students’ native Spanish language to teach academic content based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students are eligible for the program through Spanish and English language proficiency testing, with parent permission required for enrollment. This program provides English learners an equal opportunity to master grade-level TEKS by using their native language while they develop proficiency in English. Content is taught in both English and Spanish, starting in PreK. Instruction is guided by district standards to ensure age-appropriate, balanced bilingual education, allowing students to thrive academically in both languages.
There are two language groups of students participating. A balanced number of native English speakers and native Spanish speakers, with the goal of both groups to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.
Campuses and grade levels participate:- Hodge Elementary K-5
- Pecan Creek Elementary Pre-K-5
- Shultz Elementary K-5
Placement may be recommended by each campus’s Language Proficiency Assessment Committee for students who are identified as Emergent Bilingual and whose native language is Spanish.
For Non-Emergent Bilingual students, there are limited spaces. Parents must follow this process to request placement.
- English-speaking students must start the two-way Dual Language program in pre-k, kindergarten, or 1st grade in limited circumstances. Students wishing to participate in 2nd grade and up must have participated in a dual language program or demonstrate Spanish language proficiency.
- Guardians must attend a Two-Way Dual Language informational meeting that is offered each spring semester.
- Once guardians attend the two-way dual language informational meeting, they will be provided the opportunity to apply for placement.
- Participants will then be selected through a lottery and families will be notified before Meet the Teacher night.
