Farmersville Unified board approves emergent bilingual and dual-language immersion plans

The Farmersville Unified School District board voted unanimously to approve an emergent bilingual (EL) master plan and the district's Dual Language Immersion Program Handbook after a detailed presentation explaining identification, instruction and reclassification for English learners.

The presenter, Churchill, told the board the EL master plan "formalizes how students are identified, the services they receive, and how they exit the program," including the use of the home-language survey and an initial ELPAC screening within 30 days of enrollment. The plan lays out two ELD approaches: integrated ELD (language supports embedded in content) and designated ELD (targeted language instruction), and it describes reclassification criteria that combine ELPAC scores, academic measures, teacher evaluation and parent input.

Board members pressed for clarity on how families and students learn about program options and assessments. Churchill said kindergarten entry to the district triggers open enrollment for the DLI program, while transfers after kindergarten require a program assessment and parent conference; there are no fees for students who transfer into the DLI program. On assessments, Churchill noted that state English assessments (CASP) are administered in English and the district also uses the California Spanish Assessment to measure Spanish-language learning; both give the district information on student content knowledge and language development.

The board also heard specifics about the two-way DLI model, which begins in kindergarten with a 90/10 Spanish/English split and moves toward a 50/50 balance by third grade. Churchill emphasized curriculum parity across both languages, teacher training and a family partnership compact supporting a five- to seven-year commitment through sixth grade. The presentation highlighted benefits cited in district benchmarks: cognitive flexibility, higher academic outcomes in many cohorts and a path to the state Seal of Biliteracy for students who meet criteria.

Following questions from board members about enrollment trends and outreach, the board moved and seconded approval of the EL master plan and the DLI Program Handbook. The motions passed by voice vote with the board recording unanimous support.

What happens next: the EL master plan and the DLI handbook will be posted on the district website as communication tools for families and staff and used to guide staff professional development and program implementation for the coming school year.