MISSION STATEMENT:
It is the mission of the Burleson ISD Bilingual/ESL program to ensure that English Learners have the opportunity to acquire and develop proficiency in the English language, which will empower them to be successful in their academic careers and as members of society.
VISION STATEMENT:
The vision of the Burleson ISD Bilingual/ESL program is to provide differentiated instruction that supports the linguistic, effective, and cognitive needs of all English Learners.
BILINGUAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The bilingual program enables English Learners to become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language through the development of literacy and academic skills in their primary language and English. The bilingual program emphasizes the mastery of English language skills, as well as Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies as integral parts of the academic goal for all students to enable English Learners to participate equitably in school.
Bilingual One Way/Late Exit Transitional Program- In the Bilingual Late Exit Transitional Program, students are taught basic concepts with primary language support as they transition to an all English program. Research shows that students solid in first-language academic skills gain second language skills more easily. Students in the bilingual programs are provided with instruction in English and the percentage of English increases as the students move from Pre-K to fifth grade. Students in a bilingual education program may exit in grades 2-5 if they demonstrate proficiency in English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as measured by state-exit criteria. This program is housed at Jack Taylor Elementary.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
ESL enables English Learners to become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language through the integrated use of second language methods.
ESL: Content-Based- To enable limited English proficient students to become competent in the comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition of the English language through the integrated use of second language methods. The English as a second language program shall emphasize the mastery of English language skills, mathematics, science, and social studies, as an integral part of the academic goals for all students to enable limited English proficient students to participate equitably in school.
PreK-5th Grades
Elementary English as a Second Language (ESL)
When an elementary student registers within Burleson ISD and lists another language other than English on their Home Language Survey, their English level is tested with standardized evaluations.
If identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP), the student is given the option of participating in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. The Elementary ESL program provides English instruction to our English Learners (ELs) through pull-out or in-class instruction with an ESL-certified teacher.
Certified ESL teachers instruct students in English only. Teachers use second language strategies, scaffolding techniques and accommodated lesson based on English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) to help students understand the content in English. Students in grades 2-5 may exit the program if they demonstrate proficiency in English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as measured by state exit criteria.
6th-12th Grades
Secondary English as a Second Language (ESL)
When a secondary student registers within Burleson ISD and lists another language other than English on their Home Language Survey, their English level is tested with standardized evaluations.
If identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP), the student is given the option of participating in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. The Secondary ESL program provides English instruction to our English Learners (ELs) through either 1) English 1 or 2) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for certain eligible students provided by a teacher certified in ESL and language arts and/or instruction in the general education content areas by teachers trained in sheltered instruction.
Teachers use second language strategies, scaffolding techniques and accommodated lesson based on English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) to help students understand the content in English. Students in grades 6-12 may exit the program if they demonstrate proficiency in English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as measured by state exit criteria.
