Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Esl Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wylie ISD reports increase in emergent bilingual students; 94% placed with certified ESL teachers
Summary
District ESL staff reported 186 emergent bilingual students (up ~70%) and said 94 percent of those students are in classes with a certified ESL teacher; five classes currently lack a certified teacher and the district will file waivers while staff pursue certifications.
District staff presented an overview of the English Learner (EL)/ESL program and reported significant enrollment growth and staffing efforts.
The district reported 186 emergent bilingual (EB) students this year, a roughly 70 percent increase from the previous year. The presenter said 116 teachers hold ESL certification; 87 certified teachers are currently instructing EB students in their classrooms. The district reported that 94 percent of EB students are in classrooms with at least one certified ESL teacher, and that five classes currently do not have a certified teacher assigned; district staff said they will submit a state waiver for those assignments and continue training efforts.
Staff described screening and placement procedures: a home-language survey, language-proficiency screening and review by a Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC). The district uses targeted instructional resources such as Lexia English (regionally procured), Google Classroom with translation supports, and additional programs appropriate for elementary and secondary needs. Administrators noted dual-identified students (Special Education + ESL) present the greatest staffing challenge because of higher turnover and late hires in Special Education.
The board received the report; staff said they will continue training and certification efforts and track EB student progress, including the required annual TELPAS administrations and monitoring for two years after program exit.
