HST ESL Newsletter
Stay informed on what is happening in our ESL Department.
JANUARY 2020
HARMONY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
3203 North Sam Houston Pkwy West, Houston TX 77038
Tel: (281) 444-1555 Fax: (281) 444-1015
HAPPY NEW YEAR PARENTS, STUDENTS & FAMILIES! WELCOME TO ANOTHER EXCITING SEMESTER!
There are many exciting things happening in second semester! One of them is the state assessment, TELPAS, which will start in February. Here is a quick Q & A on TELPAS:
TELPAS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is TELPAS?
TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System)is an assessment program for students in Texas public schools who are learning the English language. The letters in TELPAS stand for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System. The Texas Education Agency developed TELPAS to meet state and federal requirements. Texas annually assesses the English language proficiency of students who have been identified as English learners (ELs) in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Some parts of the test will be taken online, while others will be written. TELPAS evaluates the progress that each English learner makes in becoming proficient in the use of academic English. (TEA)
Who takes TELPAS?
Students in grades K-12 that have been identified as an EL are required to take TELPAS.
This includes English learners (ELs) whose parents have declined English as a Second Language (ESL) program services. They will stop participating in TELPAS when their language proficiency assessment committee (LPAC) determines that they are proficient in the English language and have met exit criteria. This applies to all English learners even those who are not in an ESL program. Once a student has met the state’s exit criteria, they will no longer be identified as an English learner and will not have to participate in TELPAS. (TEA)
What do TELPAS results tell me about my child?
Every student who participates in TELPAS receives a report card with their test results.
TELPAS uses four proficiency ratings—Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Advanced High—to show the progress students make in learning English from year to year. For students to reach their full academic potential, it is important for them to make steady progress in learning English. Your child’s proficiency ratings in listening, speaking, reading, and writing will give you a good idea about the progress he or she is making. Students who do not make steady progress may require additional assistance at school. (TEA)
TIPS FOR HELPING STUDENTS DEVELOP ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Encourage students to use the new vocabulary words they learned whenever they can
Have students watch news, movies and shows in English for a variety of topics at least 30 minutes per day
Make local library visits a part of home activities and have students read regularly
Have students write book reports and retell stories after reading books
Encourage students to participate in class and school activities so they can practice English when
interacting with English native speakers
ELL resources
Below are some state ELL resources:
https://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Bilingual_ESL_Education
https://www.colorincolorado.org Colorín Colorado is the premier national website serving educators and families of English language learners (ELLs) in Grades PreK-12. Colorín Colorado has been providing free research-based information, activities, and advice to parents, schools, and communities around the country for more than a decade.
Upcoming Events in our campus:
Thursday, February 6, 2020-Early Dismissal and Parent-Teacher Conference