Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bilingual Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mesquite ISD bilingual department reports 1,190 students reclassified; outlines programs to support emerging bilinguals
Summary
Bilingual department leaders reported that about 36% of the district's students are emergent bilinguals and that 1,190 students were reclassified to English proficiency in 2023–24; staff described curriculum development, certification challenges and expanded family programs.
Carolina Portillo, representing the bilingual and ESL department, told the school board that roughly 36% of Mesquite ISD's students are emergent bilinguals and described the department's work on identification, curriculum development and family engagement.
"About 36% of our population are LEPs," Portillo said during her presentation, outlining that the bilingual/ESL enrollment services center handles identification for students speaking 50-plus languages. She said 1,190 students were exited or reclassified to English proficiency in August 2024 after assessment and placement work during 2023–24. Portillo described curriculum development from pre‑K through 12th grade, creation of Spanish district checkpoints, and professional development: the department delivered 61 PD sessions and supported 548 coaching/PLC sessions last year.
Portillo also reviewed family and community initiatives managed with Title III funds, such as Mesquite Familia, bilingual Battle of the Books, GED classes in Spanish and English, teacher‑assistance and logistics certifications, and multilingual events. She said staffing and certification remain challenges and the department is coordinating with HR to recruit bilingual‑certified teachers.
Trustees asked for additional detail on placement and certification; Portillo and staff responded that they monitor certification status at campuses and plan targeted recruitment and training.
