What is the goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program?

The goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program is to help students who are learning English as a new language become successful in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. These students are called Emergent Bilinguals (EBs), and our ESL Program supports their journey toward biliteracy.

Emergent Bilinguals in the ESL program take the same state mandated curriculum as all other students but with linguistic accommodations based on their English proficiency level.

How does the ESL Program work?

Our ESL program teaches English by integrating English language instruction with student’s daily instruction in all subject areas. We follow the state’s adopted model for second language acquisition called Content Based Language Instruction. That means students build their English skills while learning grade level content! 

How does the ESL Program support students?

The Pasadena ISD ESL Program supports all Emergent Bilingual students through:

1. Strategic Scheduling - Emergent Bilinguals are scheduled into courses that best support their level of English acquisition. Whether EBs are just beginning to learn English or are nearly fluent, Pasadena ISD offers courses that support all students’ next step in language acquisition.

2. Specially Trained Teachers - Pasadena ISD teachers who work with Emergent Bilinguals are specially trained to utilize Content Based Language Instruction to support their EBs.