An English language acquisition program is part of Young Learners School. The intent and purpose of this program is to help ensure that all children who have limited English proficiency (LEP) attain English proficiency, and reach high levels of academic achievement on the same standards that are expected of their English-speaking peers. All Young Learners teachers have Bilingual or English as a Second Language (ESL) Certification and provide the instruction in the students’ native language or through ESL instruction.
As part of the enrollment process, parents of children in Young Learners classrooms must complete a Home language Survey. If a language other than English is spoken in the home, the student will be given a language assessment, as required by the State of Texas. The results of the assessment test will indicate whether the student should be placed in a bilingual classroom where she/he will receive instruction in both languages. Parents must sign to approve this placement in the bilingual classroom. Parents have the option of denying bilingual services for their child, and must complete and sign a waiver form stating this denial.