Parents & Families
This section of the web portal provides relevant information and accessible resources for parents and families of English learners to support the education of their child.
Resources for English Learners
Brainpop - Coronavirus Videos and Interactive Resources
Five Helpful Responses for Families
PBS - How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
Article and tips for parents with children age two to eight.
Scholastic Magazine - Teaching the World: The Coronavirus
Resources for Families During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Resources for families about homework, staying engaged, and understanding the new coverage on COVID-19.
Association for Library Service to Children
Brainpop
Animated Educational Site for Kids with content available in the areas of: Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology.
Brainpop ELL
English language learning program comprised of short, animated movies as well as games, quizzes, and interactive features.
Children’s Books
Materials for families and some free downloadable primary children’s books.
Colorín Colorado
Literacy tips for all ages and recommended book lists for middle to high school age.
Duolingo
A free language-learning website and app for elementary and middle school students.
English Learner Family Toolkit
Family Learning Center
Grocery Store Literacy for Preschoolers
Easy ways to build literacy and math skills while at the grocery store.
Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center
Head Start and Early Head Start programs for early childhood education.
Helping Your Preschool Child
Activities for parents to do with their preschool child.
Kindergarten English Language Arts Tips
Tips for parents to help their child develop reading and writing skills outside of the classroom.
Parent Guide to Student Success in Kindergarten
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of kindergarten in mathematics and English language arts.
Parent Guide to Student Success in First Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of first grade in mathematics and English language arts.
Parent Guide to Student Success in Second Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of second grade in mathematics and English language arts.
Parent Guide to Student Success in Third Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of third grade in mathematics and English language arts.
Parent Guide to Student Success in Fourth Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of fourth grade in mathematics and English language arts.
Parent Guide to Student Success in Fifth Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of fifth grade in mathematics and English language arts.
PBS Kids
Read Conmigo
Educational tools for parents and teachers; books and activities for students in prekindergarten to grade 5.
Reading Rockets: English Language Learners
RockALingua
Sesame Street Bilingual Learning Resources
Bilingual resources such as a family activity guide and videos for young children.
Story Place Preschool online books
Online books and activities for preschool children.
Talking Counts
Practical ideas on how to build a child's vocabulary and background knowledge.
Texas Association for Bilingual Education
The 50 Best ESL Resources for Kids
The LISA Academy English Language Learner Program
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations
Family articles and resources on how to help your young child.
Tool Kit for Hispanic Families
Resources and documents to help your young school-aged child succeed in school.
Brainpop
Animated Educational Site for Kids with content available in the areas of: Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology.
Brainpop ELL
English language learning program comprised of short, animated movies as well as games, quizzes, and interactive features.
Duolingo
English Media Lab Homepage
English Online Resources
Family Learning Center
Parent Guide to Student Success in Sixth Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of sixth grade in mathematics and English language arts.
Parent Guide to Student Success in Seventh Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of seventh grade in mathematics and English language arts.
Parent Guide to Student Success in Eighth Grade
An overview of what a child will learn by the end of eighth grade in mathematics and English language arts.
Duolingo
English Media Lab Homepage
English Online Resources
High School English Parents’ Guide to Student Success
An overview of what a child will learn in high school in English language arts.
High School Math Parents' Guide to Student Success
An overview of what a child will learn in high school in mathematics.
Virtual Tours of Famous Museums
How is a child identified as an English learner?
What are the differences between the bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs?
A child is identified as an English learner. Then the child is placed in either a bilingual program or an ESL program. For more information about these programs, select the appropriate brochure, below:
-
Bilingual Education Program Brochures
Bilingual Education Program (English)Opens a new window- Bilingual Education Program (Spanish)Opens a new window
- Bilingual Education Program (Vietnamese)Opens a new window
-
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Brochures
- ESL Program (English)Opens a new window
- ESL Program (Spanish)Opens a new window
- ESL Program (Vietnamese)Opens a new window
How and when are English learners assessed in Texas?
English learners take the same state assessments as all other children in Texas, currently known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. For parent-friendly information on this assessment, visit the Texas Assessment Opens a new window website.
All English learners are also assessed using the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System, or TELPAS. This assessment measures the progress English learners are making in learning the English language. For information on the STAAR and TELPAS, visit the Information on State Assessments for English Learners web page.
The following resources in English and Spanish provide parents with information on the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS).
Girl setting at table.
Are three or four-year-old English learners eligible to attend prekindergarten?
Yes. Some schools provide a prekindergarten program for 3-year-olds, and some for 4-year-olds. English learners who are at least three years of age as of September 1 of the current school year may be eligible to attend a prekindergarten program, if offered for 3-year-olds.
For a full list of eligibility requirements for free public school kindergarten, visit the Prekindergarten Eligibility and AttendanceOpens a new window web page.
What programs are available in my area to help adult members of my family learn English?
Some school districts in Texas provide Adult ESL classes for parents of English learners. Check with your school district to see if classes are offered in your area.
In addition, Texas has twenty Education Service Centers (ESCs) throughout the state to support the educational needs of our communities. Every ESC offers adult ESL classes in their region. For information about the services available in your school district, click on the region for your school district on the map.
If you need assistance determining your region, click on the School District LocatorOpens a new window web page. Then click on the School District Locator map page. Zoom out to view the school districts within each of the twenty regions.
Hover over your region, then click to access information on Adult ESL classes
What are the rights of parents or guardians of English learners?
As a parent/guardian of an English learner you have rights regarding your child’s education access and programming.
Parents/Guardian Rights Guidance in English
Parents/Guardian Rights Guidance in Spanish
Where can I find community resources and services to support English learners and their families?
Click on the Community Partners box to find info on