Under what conditions are Bilingual Education or ESL Programs required?

Bilingual Education or ESL programs are mandated when there is an enrollment of 20 or more Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in the same grade. This requirement is based on ensuring that these students receive the necessary language support to help them succeed academically and socially within the school environment. According to the Texas Education Code, the threshold of 20 students serves as a benchmark for schools to establish or expand bilingual or ESL programs, ensuring that adequate resources and instructional strategies are available to address the needs of these learners.

The intent behind this provision is to create a supportive and effective learning atmosphere for LEP students, allowing them to acquire language skills while simultaneously engaging with the curriculum. Programs are designed not only to facilitate language acquisition but also to promote academic achievement, which is crucial for their overall educational progress.