Bilingual Education/ English as a Second Language (ESL)

ARP ISD

 

 

Quality of Services Provided

 

1.     Description of the program

 

a.     Purpose of the program

 

The purpose of the Arp ISD English as a Second Language program is to enable limited English proficient (LEP) students to become competent in comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition of the English language.  The ESL program shall emphasize the mastery of English language skills, as well as mathematics, science, and social studies, as integral parts of the academic goals for all students, to enable limited English proficient students to participate equitably in school.

 

b.    Current-year funds

 

 

c.     When implemented

 

An ESL program for students with limited English ability has been ongoing in Arp ISD since 1990.  At that time, one ESL- endorsed teacher served the elementary campus, and another served the junior high and high school campuses.  Approximately six years ago, Arp ISD received a monitoring visit specifically for the ESL program.

 

d.    Number of students served

 

Home Language Surveys of 14 students designate a language other than English.  Three of those students were served by the ESL program until they were exited by LPAC decision and parental approval.  They were and/or are subsequently monitored for continued success in school.  At the elementary level, there are currently 7 students in the ESL program.  Elementary ESL students have a 45-minute ESL class daily.   In the junior high school, 4 students are receiving ESL services in the form of one 50-minute class period per school day.

 

 

Currently, three teachers are assigned to the ESL program of Arp ISD, one each on the elementary, junior high, and high school campuses.  All three hold valid and appropriate teacher certificates and ESL endorsements.

 

 

f.      Staff development

 

In the 1999-2000 school year, all ESL-endorsed teachers attended ESC workshops dealing with Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) training, Language Assessment Scale (LAS) training, and Pre-LAS training.  In addition, all teachers have in their personnel files records of other professional development such as Gifted and Talented training, Learning Styles training, etc.

 

g.     Curriculum and instruction

 

      At the elementary level, state-approved curriculum is used. Adopted textbooks for grades 1-5 are ScottForesman ESL.   Grades Pre-K (Head Start) and K use Hampton-Brown.  At the secondary school level, state-approved ESL curriculum and ScottForesman ESL textbooks are used, and ESL students are assisted in mastering core-subject curriculum and textbooks.

 

h.     Coordination with other programs

 

In addition to ESL services, LEP students are eligible for other programs and services, including G/T, Special Education, AP classes, 504, SOS, etc.  Being in the ESL program does not exclude the student from other programs.

 

2.     Program-Impact Measurements

 

The impact of the ESL program is measured through the review of report cards, criterion-referenced tests, teacher observations, LAS testing, RPTE scores, and portfolios.

 

 

3.     Program effectiveness

 

Historically, by the time students served by the Arp ISD elementary and junior high ESL programs reach high school, they have been exited from the program and are prepared to successfully complete their high school classes, pass the exit-level TAAS, meet requirements for graduation, and matriculate to an institution of higher learning or join the work force.