School districts in Texas are required by state law to assess the English language proficiency of all students whose Home Language Survey indicates that the home language is a language other than English.

If a child demonstrates limited English proficiency on the assessment, s/he will be eligible for enrollment in the appropriate language program: bilingual education or English as a Second Language (ESL). 

Pre-K - 3rd Grade: Dual Language One-Way Program Model for 22-23 School Year

The goal of this program model is for emergent bilingual students to attain full proficiency, including grade-level literacy skills in their primary language, as well as English to participate equitably in school. Emergent bilingual students in this program receive instruction in literacy and academic content in their primary language, as well as English from teachers certified in Bilingual/ESL Education. The main focus is bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism. 

4th Grade: Early Exit Transitional Program for 22-23 School Year

The goal of this program model is for emergent bilingual students to utilize their primary language as a resource while acquiring full proficiency in English to participate equitably in school. Emergent bilingual students in this program receive instruction in literacy and academic content in English with Spanish language support as needed from teachers certified in Bilingual Education.

Benefits of the Bilingual Program

Academic instruction is provided by teachers who

• are proficient in the primary language of your child, as well as English; and
• 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 education program

• build on a literacy foundation in their primary language to acquire stronger cognitive and academic skills in English;
• are more likely to develop a bicultural identity, become biliterate, and have higher self-esteem; and
• may use their bilingual skills to access competitive job opportunities in a global world.

Pre-K - 12th Grade ESL Program

The goal of this program model is for emergent bilingual students to attain full proficiency in English in order to participate equitably in school. Emergent bilingual students are provided instructional support from ESL certified teachers within the classroom (content-based) or from an ESL certified teacher in another setting (pull-out model).

Benefits of the ESL Program

Academic instruction is provided by teachers who

• are trained in effective second language acquisition methods;
• understand the specific language needs of English learners and how to address them;
• recognize the benefits of an English learner’s academic, cultural, and linguistic background; and
• can adapt instruction, pacing, and materials to target an English learner’s language proficiency level.

All Pre-K students for the 22-23 school year will attend the Glenda Arnold Early Childhood Learning Center. 

For the 2022-2023 school year, our Bilingual Program will be at Davis Elementary, Scott Elementary, Fort Elementary, and Herndon Elementary. Students attend the Bilingual program on their home campus when available. If a Bilingual Program is not available at your home campus, RCISD utilizes a feeder pattern to determine your child's campus.