Region 1 presents bilingual/ESL evaluation showing growth, flags gaps

Corte Lucas, director of bilingual support at Region 1, presented the 2024—25 bilingual and ESL program evaluation for Progreso ISD, required under Texas Education Code —11.059. "A PEIMS snapshot, Progreso ISD served 1,339 students. Of those, 784 or 58.5% are emerging bilingual students," Lucas said, framing the district—s language-demographic profile and the importance of targeted support.

Lucas summarized program models (dual-language PK—3, transitional early-exit grades 4—5, and ESL grades 6—12), reported a 7.48 percentage-point gain on TELPAS reclassification metrics year over year, and noted reclassifications rose from 50 to 73 students. He also said about 150 teachers participated in targeted professional development. The presentation identified continuing achievement gaps in science and social studies (gaps ranging roughly 5—17 percentage points at "meets" level) and recommended using self-evaluation data to inform campus improvement plans.

Board members asked clarifying questions about grade-level patterns, waivers and staffing. Lucas said the district filed eight bilingual exceptions this year and emphasized continued certification support for teachers who are part of alternate certification programs. No action was required for the evaluation; the report was provided for the board—s review and will feed into next steps for campus plans.