English as a Second Language

The goal of English as a second language programs shall be to enable limited English proficient students to become competent in the comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition of the English language through the integrated use of second language methods. The English as a second language program shall emphasize the mastery of English language skills, as well as mathematics, science and social studies, as integral parts of the academic goals for all students to enable limited English proficient students to participate equitably in school.

All RISD campuses offer on-site ESL services. Elementary ESL is provided through a content-based model, while secondary ESL courses are scheduled within the student’s daily schedule (pull-out model).

An ESL/content-based program model is an English acquisition program that serves students identified as emergent bilingual students through English instruction provided by a teacher appropriately certified in ESL under TEC, §29.061(c), using content-based language instruction Commissioner’s Rules Concerning State Plan for Educating Emergent Bilingual Students §89.BB. August 2023 Update Page 10 of 22 methods in reading and language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The goal of content-based ESL is for emergent bilingual students to attain full proficiency in English in order to participate equitably in school.

(2) An ESL/pull-out program model is an English acquisition program that serves students identified as emergent bilingual students through English instruction using content-based language instruction methods provided by an appropriately certified ESL teacher under TEC, §29.061(c), through English reading and language arts in a pull-out or inclusionary delivery setting. The goal of ESL pull-out is for emergent bilingual students to attain full proficiency in English in order to participate equitably in school.