2020-2021 Title III Newsletter
Transitional Bilingual/Early Exit Program
San Angelo ISD offers a Transitional Bilingual/Early Exit Program for prekindergarten and kindergarten students. The purpose of this program is for students identified as English Learners to become proficient in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English through the development of literacy and academic skills in both Spanish and in English.
The goal of the Transitional Bilingual/Early Exit Program is for students to utilize their primary language as a resource while acquiring full proficiency in English. Students will receive instruction in English and Spanish. Spanish language instruction will be gradually phased out with most students transitioning to English-only instruction and being English proficient by third grade.
What are the benefits of the Transitional Bilingual/Early Exit Program?
The program provides access to the state curriculum and teaches students English using appropriate researched-based methods. It helps build knowledge and learning of academic subjects in a child's first language and in English while instilling self-assurance, confidence and cultural pride. For students whose first language isn’t English, learning literacy skills as early as prekindergarten is important to their academic success. Developing a child’s home language is critical for developing their English language skills. Research has shown that English Learners who receive bilingual instruction at an early age are more successful academically and have higher achievements in later grades.
Contact Information
Christy Diego
Director of Emergent Bilingual
T: (325)947-3838 x798
Bilingual Program Updates
Where is the program available?
The bilingual program is open to all students who qualify. The program is currently (2022-2023 school year) available at Glenmore and Bradford Elementary Schools. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the program will be housed at Bradford Elementary campus. In order to create a smooth transition for the students enrolled in the program, San Angelo ISD will maintain one Transitional Bilingual classroom at Glenmore Elementary exclusively for current 1st and 2nd grade students for the 2023-2024 school year. Transportation will be provided to students who qualify. Instruction in the program will be delivered by a teacher appropriately certified in bilingual education.
How Does a Student Qualify for the Transitional Bilingual/Early Exit Program?
During the enrollment process, if a student's home language survey indicates a language other than English, students can take a language proficiency test to determine eligibility for placement into the program.
Highlights of the Program:
- Students receive literacy instruction in Spanish in grades PreK-3
- Students receive mathematics, science, and social studies in Spanish their PreK year; instruction in English is then phased in through 1st grade and will continue through 3rd grade
- Students are provided opportunities to engage in bilingual activities that support their social development, as well as their academic development
- Students are given progress checks to monitor understanding of content in both English and Spanish, when appropriate
- Homework assignments will be given in English and/or Spanish, as appropriate for the student, and should require minimal parental support
For more information about the Bilingual Education Program, please contact SAISD Director of Emergent Bilingual, Christy Diego at (325) 947-3838 x798 or Christy.Diego@saisd.org.