Dual Language
Dual language is a bilingual education model in which students are taught literacy and academic content in two languages. The Dual language program at Cityscape Schools focuses on teaching English and Spanish. It starts at Pre-K and extends all through 5th grade.
The program’s main goals are for students to:
become bilingual and biliterate: understand, speak, read and write in English and Spanish
obtain high academic achievement in all subject areas
gain appreciation for different cultures
Native English Speakers in Dual Language
English-native speaking students can also enroll in the Dual Language program. Just like their Spanish speaking (emergent bilingual) peers, our English-native speaking students who are enrolled in the dual language program can become bilingual, biliterate and bicultural global leaders. They share the classroom and learn alongside their emergent bilingual peers. Ideally, children should enroll in the dual language program in Pre-K or Kinder level. Cityscape Schools ask parents to make a commitment for a minimum of 5 years to allow the time necessary for their student’s academic and linguistic achievement. Additionally, parents have the option to have their child continue with the program through middle school.
ESL
English as a Second Language is an English language study program for non–native English speakers. The goal of the program is to improve students’ level of English. Students are taught conversational English, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, writing and vocabulary alongside their academic grade-level content instruction. Teachers integrate language with content, making it understandable to all English learners. At Cityscape Schools we offer ESL from Pre-K through 8th grade.
Language Proficiency Assessment Committee
To ensure the academic success of emergent bilinguals, Cityscape Schools follows the Texas Education Agency’s Language Proficency Assessment Committee (LPAC) identification and placement process for emergent bilingual students.
The process for emergent bilingual services includes 4 steps:
Identification
PreLAS PreK and Kinder – This assessment is used to identify emergent bilingual students. For Pre-K and Kindergarten level, the assessment consists of developmentally appropriate activities such as identifying parts of the body, recognizing pictures of everyday items, being able to repeat phrases and sentences and retelling of short stories. Kinder is also tested on pre-literacy skills (identification of letters, numbers, colors, counting and shapes). The test is administered in both English and Spanish to identify the students’ language ability level.
LAS 1st through 12th grade – This assessment is used to identify emergent bilinguals in grades 1st through 12th grade. Students transferring from another Texas school district do not need to retake the LAS test if they already have an emergent bilingual designation. The test is administered in both English and Spanish to identify the students’ language ability level. It consists of tests in all 4 language domains (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
TELPAS – The Texas English Language Proficiency System (TELPAS) is an annual assessment that students identified as emergent bilingual are required to take if enrolled in a Texas public school. TELPAS assesses English language proficiency in all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Placement
Once the student has been assessed (LAS or PreLAS), the Cityscape Schools’ Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) meets to determine eligibility and identifies the student as emergent bilingual. After the initial meeting, the LPAC will send written communication of recommendation to the parents. Parents can accept or deny services. Cityscape students will be placed in either the dual language or ESL program based on student needs and parental approval.
Reclassification
The Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will recommend that emergent bilinguals who meet the reclassification criteria to either exit bilingual or English as a second language (ESL) program services or continue participation if in a dual language program. Parental approval must be obtained for program exit or continuation beyond reclassification, must be obtained.
Reclassification occurs:
At end or beginning of school year depending on when TELPAS scores are received
When the LPAC determines when an emergent bilingual has met the appropriate criteria to be classified as English proficient
A student in prekindergarten or kindergarten may not be reclassified; The first opportunity for an emergent bilingual student to be considered for reclassification is in 1st grade.
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Monitoring
When a student has met all reclassification requirements, the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will send written communication to parents for approval to exit the dual language program. After parent approval, the next step is to place the student in a general education classroom. To ensure a successful transition, Cityscape will monitor all exited emergent bilinguals, discussing their academic progress through LPAC meetings. A written notice on the progress is sent to parents.