Rockwall ISD Bilingual Education and ESL Programs
Because English is the primary language of instruction and interaction in the State of Texas, public schools are responsible for providing a full opportunity for all students to become competent in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending the English language. In fact, school districts in Texas are required by state and federal law to identify and provide language programs for students who are limited in their English proficiency.

In accordance with the policy of the state, to ensure equal educational opportunity to every student, and to meet the educational needs of students who are English language learners, Rockwall ISD offers two programs:

Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language (ESL). Following are descriptions of both programs.

Bilingual Education
Overview
Bilingual education uses several components to promote language acquisition, literacy development and academic learning in two languages. In Rockwall ISD, the term you will see is “One-way Dual Language”, a program designed for Pre-K through 6^th grade.

• The program is a full-time instructional program using two languages, English and Spanish.

• One-Way indicates that the program serves only Spanish-speaking students who are limited in English proficiency.

• Dual Language indicates that students experience both Spanish and English language immersion. Dual language is an additive bilingual education model that aims to develop full bilingualism and biliteracy by adding the second language (English) while maintaining and continuing to develop the first language (Spanish).

• As with other academic goals at Rockwall ISD, the aim is to promote inquiry, research, and life-long learning among students.

How does it work?
Students are enrolled in the program based on qualifying assessments and with parent permission. Students study the same grade level curriculum as the all-English program, but instructional materials are provided in both languages.

• Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 4:
  Students experience both Spanish and English language immersion in an alternate-day structure, receiving instruction in all core content areas for 50% of the time in English and 50% of the time in Spanish.

• Grades 5 – 6:
  Students transition into all-English instruction depending on their level of English language development.

• The integrations provided from one language to the other help students to organize ideas, learn concepts, and sharpen academic skills and provide a rich context for language acceleration in English, the second language.

• Students exit the program when exit criteria are met in accordance with district policy and state and federal requirements.

Which Campuses feature One-Way Dual Language (Bilingual) Program?

• Howard Dobbs Elementary

• Amanda Rochell Elementary

• Dorris Jones Elementary

• Ouida Springer Elementary

English as a Second Language (ESL)
Overview:
ESL features an intensive program of instruction designed to develop proficiency in comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition in the English language, and is designed for speakers of languages other than English. Educators work to provide ongoing coordination between the ESL program and the regular education program in order for the student to meet the grade level state standards.

Goals of ESL:
Rockwall ISD operates the ESL Program 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; to 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; and to enable limited English proficient students to participate equitably in school.

How Does ESL Work?
Elementary (Pre-K – Grade 6)
Students are enrolled in the program based on qualifying assessment and with parent permission. Instruction in English is offered by ESL certified teachers for all or part of the day using special materials and second language methods. The time allotted for intensive ESL instruction is commensurate with the student’s level of English proficiency and academic achievement. ESL teachers deliver TEKS-based instruction that supports, supplements, and reinforces the grade level English language arts curriculum of the district. Students exit the program when exit criteria are met in accordance with district policy and state and federal requirements.

Which Elementary Campuses feature ESL Programs?
The ESL program is offered at eleven of the twelve elementary campuses. Amy Parks Elementary School students transfer to Pullen Elementary School for ESL instruction.

Secondary ESL (Grades 7 – 12)
Students are enrolled in the program based on qualifying assessment and with parent permission. Instruction in English language arts is commensurate with the student’s level of English proficiency and level of academic achievement. Some students are scheduled into an ESL class as their English class, while others receive modified instruction in an English class. Content area teachers trained in sheltered instructional approaches provide grade level TEKS-based instruction that addresses the affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs of limited English proficient students. Limited English proficient students may also be enrolled in elective courses in order to meet their academic needs.

Students exit the program when exit criteria are met in accordance with district policy and state and federal requirements.

Which Secondary campuses feature Secondary ESL Programs?
The ESL Program is offered at all middle and high school campuses in Rockwall ISD.