What is English as a Second Language?
English as a Second Language (ESL) is intensive English language instruction
by teachers trained in recognizing and working with language differences. We
do not have a bilingual program. We do not teach Spanish
side-by-side with the English in Friendswood ISD. We teach English only
in ESL. Our ESL classes include students from all languages within the
district. For example, students in the same ESL class may speak Arabic,
Spanish, and Vietnamese.
State law requires school districts to provide ESL:
* in elementary schools when there are fewer than 20 Limited English
Proficient (LEP) students of the same language enrolled in the same grade
level in the district and;
* in middle, junior, and high schools with LEP student enrollment.
What is an ESL program?
* An ESL program provides intensive instruction in listening, speaking,
reading, writing, and comprehending English
* An ESL program uses the academic and cultural experience of the student as a
platform to provide the appropriate instruction in English.
What does ESL look like in Friendswood?
* In Friendswood ESL services are primarily pull-out with the students
receiving small group instruction. However, students may also be served
through inclusion within the classroom.
* ESL teachers also work as liaisons ensuring that teachers and students
receive all of the resources and services.
Who should be enrolled in an ESL program?
Students in Kindergarten through high school who speak or hear a language
other than English in their home and who have difficulty in English may be
eligible.
Will my child be taught the same subjects and learn the same skills as
other students?
* Yes, all students in ESL must receive instruction in the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in English using strategies and methodologies
appropriate for them.
* Language arts, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies are
integral parts of the state mandated curriculum.
* Music, physical education, health, technology, and art are all parts of the
balanced curriculum that children in the program are required to receive.