Accountability & Compliance

School districts in Texas, including Charters and Districts of Innovation, are responsible for ensuring compliance with Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.051-29.064 - Bilingual Education and ESL Programs, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 89 (PDF). Adaptations for Special Populations, Subchapter BB. Commissioner's Rules Concerning State Plan for Educating English Learners.
This includes following the standardized, statewide process for identifying, serving, and reclassifying/exiting English learners, and for monitoring their English language acquisition and academic progress. In addition, Texas school districts must also ensure equitable access of English learners to other program services, including special education services and services for gifted and talented students.

Texas Education Code (TEC)

TEC 29.051-29.066

Subchapter B. Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs

29.051 - State Policy
29.052 - Definition
29.053 - Establishment of Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs
29.054 - Exceptions
29.055 - Program Content; Method of Instruction
29.056 - Enrollment of Students in Program
29.0561 - Evaluation of Transferred Students Reenrollment
29.057 - Facilities; Classes
29.058 - Enrollment of Students Who Do Not Have Limited English Proficiency
29.059 - Cooperation Among Districts
29.060 - Preschool, Summer School, and Extended Time Programs
29.061 - Bilingual Education and Special Language Programs Teachers
29.062 - Compliance
29.063 - Language Proficiency Assessment Committee
29.064 - Appeals
29.066 - PEIMS Reporting Requirements

Texas Administrative Code (TAC)

Commissioner's Rules (Chapter 89) - Adaptations for Special Populations

As of August 8, 2023 the commissioners rules in Chapter 89 Subchapter BB have been updated to align terminology as well as clarify policies and procedures to ensure emergent bilingual students are provided a full opportunity to participate in a bilingual education or an English as a second language program. Refer to the Chapter 89 Crosswalk to review the changes that have been made.

89.1201 - State Policy
89.1203 - Definitions
89.1205 - Required Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language Programs
89.1207 - Exceptions and Waivers
89.1210 - Program Content and Design
89.1215 - Home Language Survey
89.1220 - Language Proficiency Assessment Committee
89.1226 - Testing and Classification of Students, Beginning with School Year 2019-2020
89.1227 - Minimum Requirements for Dual Language Immersion Program Model
89.1228 - Dual Language Immersion Program Model Implementation
89.1229 - General Standards for Recognition of Dual Language Immersion Program Models
89.1230 - Eligible Students with Disabilities
89.1233 - Participation of English Proficiency Students
89.1235 - Facilities
89.1240 - Parental Authority and Responsibility
89.1245 - Staffing and Staff Development
89.1250 - Required Summer School Programs
89.1265 - Evaluation

Accountability - Closing The Gaps

Closing the Gaps measures in Domain III of the State Accountability System addresses English learner achievement by measuring an EL's progress toward achieving English language Proficiency. The English Language Proficiency component evaluates the TELPAS results for grades K–12. A student is considered having made progress if

the student advances by at least one score of the composite rating from the prior year to the current year, or
the student’s result is Advanced High.

Use the links below to access more information:

2019 Accountability Ratings Systems -This webpage provides a list of reports and downloadable Excel files for academic accountability ratings, designations, and the data used to determine ratings for each school and district.
Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) - The TAPR pulls together a wide range of information, including student performance, staff and student demographics, program enrollment, and plenty more.
A-F Resources - This webpage provides users with helpful presentations, videos, and visuals that describe the state academic accountability system.
TexasAssessment.gov - TexasAssessment.gov provides parents, administrators, and educators resources and other helpful information about Texas assessments.
TXschools.gov - TXschools.gov provides users with an in-depth look at accountability performance, finance, and profile. It also features compare, correlated, and analyze tools.

EL with Multi Needs

New Web-based Tool Coming Soon!

ESSA Reporting and Guidance

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Title III, Part A Statute (PDF) (pages 153-165)

2024-2025 ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant

Sample Application (PDF)

Program Guidelines (PDF)

ESSA Program Specific Provisions and Assurances (PDF)

General Fiscal Guidelines (PDF)

2023-2024 ESSA Consolidated Compliance Report

Training Resource Website

2023-2024 ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant

Sample Application

Program Guidelines

TEA Program Contact Information

For more information regarding general and special education programs in Texas, as they relate to English learners, contact the Divisions referenced below: