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--> English Language Proficiency Standards
The English language proficiency (ELP) standards contain the language skills that limited English proficient children in Texas are taught to ensure that they have the full opportunity to learn English and succeed academically. The ELP standards are part of the state-required curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The ELP standards consist of the Spanish language arts TEKS (grades K-6) and the English as a second language TEKS (grades K-12).
The ELP standards include second language acquisition skills that enable limited English proficient students to become fluent in English. In order for these students to learn the academic English necessary for academic learning, their second language acquisition skills must be addressed in all their academic classes, whether they are learning mathematics, science, or other subjects. The ELP standards also include the language arts skills that all Texas students are required to be taught.
Helping limited English proficient students become fluent in English and academically successful is the shared responsibility of all teachers. Whether students are in bilingual classes or classes taught in English, their success in school depends on how well teachers meet both their language and academic needs. By combining language learning with quality instruction in mathematics, science, and social studies in grades K-12, teachers will ensure that English language learners achieve the knowledge and skills of the Texas curriculum and reach their full academic potential.
The ELP standards are contained in Chapter 128 of the Texas Administrative Code. To show the relationship between the TEKS for English language arts, Spanish language arts, and English as a second language, the State Board of Education voted to have these TEKS published in a side-by-side format. The side-by-side format shows the direct alignment of the language arts and English as a second language skills. The specific second language acquisition skills are listed at the end of the English as a second language column.
Also from their website:
The figure below shows how communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing are at the core of all academic learning. Teaching communication skills through appropriate special language instruction and effective content area instruction accelerates the learning of English and promotes the development of higher-order thinking skills. NOTE - If you have a browser for use by the visually impaired, please contact the TEA Curriculem Department to obtain the information conveyed in the graphical image.
