ESL Basics

ESL Program Goals:

The goals of the ESL program are for students to:

• Improve their English proficiency

• Attain high levels of academic achievement in language arts and in content subjects

The mission of the Plano Independent School District is to provide an excellent education for all students.

The PISD Bilingual/ESL Program believes that culturally and linguistically diverse students should be provided a consistently high quality education so that students are academically successful and prepared to meet the challenges of a changing world.

The program:

• Provides instruction for the English Language Learner in the most appropriate program format in accordance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines.

• Provides instruction that reflects the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and PISD curriculum guidelines in all content areas.

• Promotes acceptance of Bilingual/ESL instruction as an integral part of the whole school program.

• Promotes understanding and respect for diversity by students, parents, staff and community.

• Enhances the student’s self-esteem and promotes a positive school climate.

• Evaluates results and makes adjustments as warranted to address student learning at both campus and district levels.

• Supports staff development on cultural and linguistic diversity and second language acquisition strategies/methodologies.

• Addresses issues relating to staffing and instructional/organizational arrangements.

• Communicates success of Bilingual/ESL programs to the students, parents, district, and community.

• Actively promotes parental involvement as an integral part of a student’s education.