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Signature Programs: Innovating Education












Bilingual, Dual Language & ESL

Faith Family implements a 50-50 elementary dual language program model. The program model is a full-time program of one-way and two-way dual language that provides instruction in the Spanish and English. The dual language program design that is in place is Teaching for Biliteracy. It embraces and leverages the pillars of Bridging or translanguaging for students to become literate in Spanish and English. The program must ensure instruction is developmentally appropriate in both languages. Students must be challenged to perform at a level commensurate with their linguistic proficiency and academic potential.
 
The ESL Program is an intensive program of instruction designed to develop fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language. Linguistic and academic support for the ESL student will be commensurate with the student’s English level and academic abilities.
 
Emergent bilingual (EB) students in grades PK-5 participate in ESL if they speak a language other than Spanish or at parent request. Students who speak a language other than Spanish may also participate in the dual language program at parent request. Starting in 6th grade, the ESL student is in general education courses with trained ESL instructors using ESL strategies to continually support their English language progress. In high school, the English as a second Language shall be consistent with graduation requirements under Chapter 74. 

 

About The Dual Language Program

Bilingual Program Design

Bilingual education is a required program that allows for academic instruction in the student's primary language, while simultaneously emphasizing a carefully structured development of the English language and abilities to function successfully in English. The amount of instruction in each language shall be commensurate with the students' linguistic proficiency and academic potential in both languages.

At Faith Family Academy, FFA, bilingual instruction is equal to understandable instruction. Students shall receive primary language instruction on grade level to master the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students are expected to perform at the same level of their English-speaking peers. ESL instruction must occur daily in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students acquire a second language in stages and as a student progresses in the acquisition of English, the level of difficulty in the ESL instruction is increased.

Faith Family Academy has two models of bilingual education. The One-Way Dual Language model is for English learners only. Students are simultaneously learning English and Spanish in grades PK-5. By grade 2, instruction is delivered 50% of the time in each language.

The Two-Way Dual Language model is for students who are English only speakers and English learners (Spanish speakers). English speakers are assigned to an English teacher and the English learners are assigned to a Spanish teacher. Throughout the day, the two classes are grouped into two mixed classes. The students will rotate from English instruction to Spanish instruction daily.

ESL Program Design

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is an intensive program designed to develop a English Language Learners proficiency in the listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language. The ESL program integrates the English Language Proficiency Standards, ELPS, at all levels.

Language Arts and Reading classes for ELL students at the secondary level are sheltered and ESL methods are used to ensure ample opportunities for second language learning. Content area courses that require higher levels of linguistic competence are also sheltered, and ESL strategies are used. The content instruction that students receive is parallel to that of their English-speaking peers. As students progress in the ESL, classes they enroll in are linguistically accommodated classes at the high school level for acceleration of mastery of the TEKS.