The Weekly Update #4
January 12th, 2024
PTISD Bilingual/ESL Program Updates
Welcome
This newsletter is to share information about the PTISD bilingual/ESL program. It will include updates on events, adult education services, and state-level changes affecting bilingual education.
PTMS Field Trip
On January 10, the Pine Tree Middle School Spanish Teacher, Mrs. Popelar, organized a field trip for all ESL students at the Middle School. Students went to Sci-Port in Shreveport, Louisiana where they had an amazing time learning about weather, science, and engineering. They also watched a documentary in the IMAX theater about engineering structures to make them earthquake proof and building bridges to help students get to school in Haiti – the documentary is titled “Dream Big”.
From the State
For the 2023-2024 school year, the criteria for students to exit bilingual or ESL programs have changed. Previously, students had to obtain a High Advanced score in: listening, speaking, reading and writing on TELPAS. Students will now qualify for reclassification with a composite score of Advanced High when those four domains are added together. Students will also be required to pass their STAAR Reading or English EOC without support to reclassify.
ESL classes for adults every Thursday night!
TELPAS
The TELPAS 2024 assessment for all EB students will take place between February 19 and March 29. Each campus will have its own schedule for when tests will be administered. Students will complete two assessments: listening and speaking, and reading and writing. Your classroom teachers will grade grades K-1 in these areas. Students in grades 2-12 will complete the assessments online.