Supporting My Child
Welcome to the Supporting my Child page. For all parents, guardians, and family members looking to provide support to their child, we have a collection of resources and tools to provide help and guidance. Everything from important parent information to learning strategies and activities for students is available. We will continuously update the site with new, up to date information and materials.
Learn about how your child was identified as an EB student, how they are being served, how they can be reclassified (determined to be proficient in English, and how they are monitored to make sure they continue to be successful after they are reclassified.
Identification & Placement
- Fill out a Home Language Survey (HLS) when you first register your child for a Texas public school.
- If you put a language other than English, your child's English level is tested using a test called LAS Links or PreLAS.
- Pre-K - 1st Grade are tested on Speaking and Listening
- 2nd - 12th Grades are tested on Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing
- The Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will classify your child as English proficient or as an emergent bilingual student based on their test score.
- The LPAC will recommend a bilingual education program (bilingual or ESL) and get your approval as the parent.
For information about students identified as an emergent bilngual student prior to kindergarten, read the frequently asked questions.
Program Services
Below you will find information about bilingual and ESL programs. You can also find videos describing the types of bilingual education programs on the Program Services page.
- Bilingual Program - English (PDF) / Spanish (PDF) / Vietnamese (PDF) / Other Languages - Use Translation Widget (PDF)
- ESL Program - English (PDF) / Spanish (PDF) / Vietnamese (PDF) / Other Languages - Use Translation Widget (PDF)
- Combined Bilingual Education English (PDF) / Spanish (PDF) / Vietnamese (PDF)
All emergent bilingual students in Texas are required to take a test, TELPAS - Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System - that measures the progress made each year in learning the English language. For additional information and tips, refer to the documents below.
Reclassification And Exit
In order for your child to be reclassified or be considered English proficient, they will need to take and pass the required tests based on their grade level.
To see exactly which exams your child will need to take and pass to be considered English proficient, refer to the chart below.
- Tests the student’s English language proficiency for Kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Tests the student’s academic knowledge of English for 3rd through 8th grade.
- Tests the student’s academic knowledge of English for 9th and 10th grade.
- Tests students showing high levels of English proficiency in the area of English academic achievement in grades 1-2 and 11-12.
Your child may only be reclassified as English proficient
- at the end of the school year,
- based on the LPAC’s recommendation when STAAR, EOC, and TELPAS data are reviewed, and
- it is determined if that the student has met the state’s criteria for reclassification as English proficient.
Your approval of program exit is required in order for your child to exit program services.
Monitoring
Your child will be monitored by the LPAC of their academic progress for the first two years after they have been reclassified to make sure they continue to be successful in school.
If your child is struggling in school based on their language needs, the LPAC may recommend a return to program placement. The LPAC will contact you for you permission in this case.
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