The goal of the bilingual program at YES Prep is to develop biliteracy. We do this by strengthening students’ home language of Spanish, supporting them in transferring content mastery and developing English language fluency. By the time our SPARKS leave our elementary campuses, they will be able to think, read, write and speak in both Spanish and English in any setting.
The YES Prep bilingual program is designed to:
- Develop full biliteracy in students whose native language is Spanish.
- Introduce, develop and master academic competency in the English language gradually across grade levels.
- Maintain and develop skills in the Spanish language and culture while introducing, maintaining and developing skills in English and developing competency in both languages.
- Prepare students for the sixth-grade English only program with English as a Second Language (ESL) supports in preparation for college-ready success.
Elementary Bilingual Program results
How is the bilingual program different from ESL?
Bilingual Program | ESL Program |
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What is a day in a bilingual classroom like?
Core Content | Taught in | Time (depending on grade level) |
Class Connect & Launch | Spanish | 10-20 minutes |
Spanish Reading Foundational Skills | Spanish | 15-30 minutes |
Spanish Language Arts & Reading | Spanish | 45-60 minutes |
Spanish Reading Small Group | Spanish | 30-40 minutes |
English Language Development | English | 30-60 minutes |
Math Routines & Eureka Math | Spanish | 60-65 minutes |
Math Small Group Instruction | Spanish | 25-40 minutes |
Core Enrichment | English | 45 minutes |
Science / Social Studies | English | 40-60 minutes |
Closing Routine | Spanish | 10 minutes |
Important note: In fifthgrade, students in the Bilingual program switch to majority English instruction in Language Arts and Math, with a block every day for Spanish Content and Language Supports.
How do students qualify?
Families complete the Home Language Survey as part of registration
Based on the results of the Home Language Survey, students’ language is tested in both Spanish and English
Based on students’ scores in both languages, students are placed in the Bilingual or ESL program
Families approve or deny Emergent Bilingual services at the start of the year
Resources for families
Who to contact for more information
Each campus has an Assistant Principal over the Bilingual program.When you contact the main number for the campus, you can ask for the Assistant Principal over the Bilingual Program.
Frequently asked questions
- Will my child be taught the same subjects and learn the same skills as students in the general education program?
- Will my child learn English in a Bilingual Education program?
- I want my student to learn Spanish. Can I enroll them in the Bilingual program?
- How do I know if my child has been recommended for placement in the Bilingual Education program?
- How can I help my student at home?
- Are the teachers Bilingual certified
Will my child be taught the same subjects and learn the same skills as students in the general education program?
Yes, all students in the bilingual program receive instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in their first language – Spanish – and in English. Students in the bilingual program are instructed in the same subjects – Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies and Core Enrichment.
Will my child learn English in a Bilingual Education program?
Yes. Science and Social Studies are taught in English and students have daily instruction in English Language Development to transfer their skills from their first language to their second language. Students attend Core Enrichment classes with students in the monolingual program, so they have regular connections with their peers.
Every year, students take the TELPAS test in English to monitor their growth in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
I want my student to learn Spanish. Can I enroll them in the Bilingual program?
No – the bilingual program is designed for students whose first language is Spanish. Because Language Arts and Math are taught in Spanish, students who do not already have a strong foundation in that language may struggle to learn content in the Bilingual program. Students whose home language is English will have an opportunity to learn Spanish in our secondary program.
How do I know if my child has been recommended for placement in the Bilingual Education program?
The Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) determines how students are identified, placed, instructed and assessed. Within the first 30 days of school, parents will receive written notice to let them know that their child has been recommended for the Bilingual Education program.
How can I help my student at home?
Communicating regularly with your student’s teacher via Class Dojo is the best way to support your student’s learning. Expose your students to language in the home by engaging your student in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Talk to your student about their day, have them help you write cards, letters or emails, and go to the library to pick books your student enjoys and can read at home.
The websitesbelow have specific information about how you can support your student at home.
Are the teachers Bilingual certified
Yes. All of our teachers in the Bilingual Program have a certification to teach bilingual classes.
