San Angelo ISD to Offer Bilingual Education Program

SAN ANGELO, TX – San Angelo ISD is excited to announce the availability of a new Bilingual Education Program for prekindergarten and kindergarten students. The purpose of this program is for students identified as English Learners to become proficient in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English through the development of literacy and academic skills in both Spanish and in English.

The goal of this Bilingual Early Exit Program is for students to utilize their primary language as a resource while acquiring full proficiency in English. Students will receive instruction in English and Spanish. Spanish language instruction will be gradually phased out with most students transitioning to English-only instruction by first grade and exiting from the Bilingual Program by third grade. 

What are the benefits of the Bilingual Education Program?

The program provides access to the state curriculum and teaches students English using appropriate researched-based methods. It helps build knowledge and learning of academic subjects in a child's first language and in English while instilling self-assurance, confidence and cultural pride. For students whose first language isn’t English, learning literacy skills as early as prekindergarten is important to their academic success. Developing a child’s home language is critical for developing their English language skills. Research has shown that English Learners who receive bilingual instruction at an early age are more successful academically and have higher achievements in later grades.

Where is the program available?

The program is currently available at Glenmore and  Bradford Elementary Schools, but is open to all students who qualify. Transportation will be provided to students who qualify. Instruction in the program will be delivered by a teacher appropriately certified in bilingual education.  

How Does a Student Qualify for the Bilingual Program?

During the enrollment process, if a student's home language survey indicates a language other than English, students can take a language proficiency test to determine eligibility for placement into the program.

Highlights of the Program:

Students receive literacy instruction in Spanish in grades PreK-1

Students receive mathematics, science, and social studies in Spanish their PreK year; instruction in English is then phased in through 2nd grade

Students are provided opportunities to engage in bilingual activities that support their social development, as well as their academic development

Students are given progress checks to monitor understanding of content in both English and Spanish, when appropriate

Homework assignments will be given in English and/or Spanish, as appropriate for the student, and should require minimal parental support

For more information about the Bilingual Education Program, please contact SAISD Director of Bilingual & English Language Learners, Christy Diego at (325) 947-3838 x798 or [email protected].