The mission of Paris ISD's English as a Second Language program is to meet the educational needs of students whose native language is not English.  Students in grades 3-12 are served in ESL classes.  Students who are in PK-4, whose native language is not English or Spanish are also served in ESL classes.

ESL provides Limited English Proficient (LEP) students with an intensive program of English instruction in all subjects, focusing on the language arts, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, through the use of English as a Second Language (ESL) methodology.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Program Brochure

Folleto para el Programa de inglés como Segundo Idioma

Bilingual/ESL Coordinator:
Yesica Munguia - yesica.munguia@parisisd.net
903.737.7500

Benefits for Your Child:

There are benefits that will be gained by your son/daughter when he/she participates in an English as a Second Language (ESL) education program.  Because your son/daughter hears a language other than English at home and/or speaks a language other than English with peers, he/she would benefit from intensive English instruction.  A teacher in the English as a Second Language (ESL) education program is trained on how to teach the individual needs of a student who is learning English.  The teacher in an ESL program collaborates with other teachers who may also have your son/daughter in class.  This is necessary so that your son/daughter will meet all of the required state standards expected of all students.  If a student is also enrolled in a special education program, the teachers collaborate so that instruction is provided according to the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is English as a Second Language?

• English as a Second Language (ESL) is intensive English language instruction by teachers trained in recognizing and working with language differences.
• State law requires school districts to provide ESL:
  • In elementary school when there are fewer than 20 limited English proficient (LEP) students of the same language enrolled in the same grade in the district.
  • In middle school and high school when there are LEP students.

What is an ESL program?

• An ESL program provides intensive instruction that develops oral and written comprehension and reading and writing in English.
• An ESL program uses the academic and cultural experience of the student as a platform to provide the appropriate instruction in English.
• An ESL program teaches mathematics, science, and social studies using strategies and methodologies appropriate for second language acquisition.

What is the purpose of an ESL program?

• An ESL program develops competence in English.
• It prepares the student to be successful in all academic subjects.

Who should be enrolled in an ESL program?

• English Language Learners (ELL) in pre-kindergarten through high school whose home language is something other than English and for whom ESL is the most appropriate program.

Will my child be taught the same subjects and learn the same skills as student in the regular program?

• All students in ESL must receive instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in English using strategies and methodologies appropriate for them.

• Language arts, reading, mathematics, science and social studies are integral parts of the state mandated curriculum.

• Music, physical education and art are all part of the balanced curriculum that children in the program are required to receive.

Who is responsible for teaching in an ESL program?

• Teachers, who are specially trained, tested and certified to teach in ESL programs meet the special language needs of those students.

How is an ESL program different from English language arts instruction?

• Teachers are appropriately certified by the state to teach ESL.

• State-adopted ESL materials are provided to help students learn through proven methods.

• The focus is on learning English for effective participation in other classes.

How can parents help their child learn by participating in the ESL program?

• Parent permission must be obtained.

• Parents can encourage their child at home to achieve, provide a place to study, and show interest in schoolwork.

• Parents can volunteer for classroom activities.

• Parents can ask their child's teacher or principal about becoming a member of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), which helps determine how students will be taught.

Where can I obtain additional information on bilingual/ESL education programs?

Bilingual Education Unit

Division of Curriculum and Professional Development

1701 North Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas 78701-1494

(512) 475-3555

www.tea.state.tx.us