Approve 2025-2026 Application for ESL Waiver Description: We do not have an ESL certified teacher in every grade level so we have to file a waiver and explain how we will serve these students.  Our goal is to get every reading teacher in the district ESL certified. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program is thoughtfully designed to support Emergent Bilingual students with specialized traini

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

7.J. Approve 2025-2026 Application for ESL Waiver Description: We do not have an ESL certified teacher in every grade level so we have to file a waiver and explain how we will serve these students.  Our goal is to get every reading teacher in the district ESL certified. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program is thoughtfully designed to support Emergent Bilingual students with specialized training and tailored materials that address their unique needs. Our dedicated educators collaborate closely, with ESL-certified teachers co-teaching to ensure students meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) mandated by the state. Our teachers are skilled in providing linguistic accommodations, empowering all students to achieve state standards while developing their English proficiency. We utilize a variety of assessments, including TELPAS, STAAR, EOC, and MAP, to effectively track and celebrate the growth of our Emergent Bilingual students. For students who also receive services through the Special Education Program, our ESL and Special Education teams work collaboratively to ensure that every educational need is met. Our non-certified teachers actively collaborate with certified educators in co-planning and co-teaching, ensuring compliance and enhancing the learning experience for our ESL students. Campus principals, along with our ESL Director, are committed to monitoring and enhancing the effectiveness of our ESL program, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.8/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).