What is the purpose of the bilingual program?
Bilingual programs are designed to make grade level academic content accessible to emergent bilingual students through the development of literacy and academic skills in the child’s primary/partner and English. The academic, linguistic, and backgrounds of emergent bilingual students are used in a bilingual program as the platform for acquiring grade-level content and develop academic language in the partner language and in English in all content areas.

What are the four state-approved bilingual program models?
In Texas, there are four state-approved bilingual program models:

Program Model Type	Goal	Instruction
Dual Language Two-Way Dual Language One-Way	Emergent bilingual students attain bilingualism and biliteracy to reach high levels of literacy and academic achievement in the partner language and English.	Emergent bilingual students receive instruction in literacy and academic content in the partner language as well as English from teachers certified in bilingual/ESL education. At least 50% of the instruction is delivered in the students’ home language for the duration of the program.
Transitional Bilingual Late Exit Transitional Bilingual Early Exit	Emergent bilingual students utilize their home language as a resource while acquiring full proficiency in English to have access to fully participate in school.	Emergent bilingual students receive instruction in literacy and academic content in their home language as well as English from teachers certified in bilingual education. As the child acquires English, the amount of instruction provided in the home language decreases until full proficiency in English is attained.

What are the benefits of a bilingual program?
Academic instruction is provided by teachers who

• are proficient in the primary language of your child, as well as English; and provide
• implements linguistically sustaining practices to leverage student's linguistic assets and backgrounds.
• are trained in second language acquisition methods and how to adapt instruction to meet the specific language needs of your child.

Research indicates that children who participate in a bilingual program

• build on a literacy foundation in their home language to acquire stronger cognitive and academic skills in English;
• are more likely to meet graduation requirements with high academic achievement and college, career, and military ready.
• are more likely to become biliterate, and have higher self-esteem; and
• may use their bilingual skills to access competitive job opportunities in a global world.

What instruction will my child receive in a bilingual program?
Your child will develop language and literacy skills in his/her home language as a resource for acquiring English. He/she will develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English through the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) in conjunction with grade level academic instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for all content areas, including language arts, math, science, and social studies. Your child’s teacher will be proficient in your child’s home language and English and is specially trained to meet your child’s language needs. Instruction shall be designed to consider your child’s unique learning experiences, instill a positive identity, and honor the community and experiences of your child.

How can parents support their child who participates in a bilingual program?
Parents can support their child’s acquisition of English by providing opportunities at home to practice their home language and English. Research shows the benefits of home language development on second language development and the positive transfer of skills from one language to another.

Some examples of parent activities to support English language acquisition include

• reading and engaging in conversations with your child in your home language, and English, to support development of your child’s oral language and literacy skills in the home language and in English; and
• encouraging your child to achieve by providing him/her a place to study and showing interest in his/her school work.

Ways to support the bilingual program include

• participating as a member of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC);
• volunteering at your child’s school and supporting your child’s teacher in classroom activities; and
• serving on school and district-based decision-making or other advisory committees.

Can a child who is also receiving other services participate in a bilingual program?
Yes, students who receive services in other programs, such as special education, 504, response to intervention, and gifted/talented or advanced academics, may also participate in the bilingual program. The LPAC, in conjunction with other student service committees, meets to discuss and coordinate services based on the educational need of your child.