English As A Second Language (ESL)
Now Serving 60+ languages within district

Our Services
-
WHAT WE DO
The English as a Second Language Program (ESL) is a K-12 program that ensures students who are identified as English language learners (EL) receive the assistance needed to reach high levels of English proficiency. ESL is a program that integrates instruction with subject matters that not only targets the second language, but uses that language as a means to learn science, social studies, mathematics, and other academic subjects. ESL applies strategies and methodology designed to teach English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to EL students. ESL instruction is in English. In addition, ESL develops content, cognitive, and study skills as they develop their English language skills.
Our Mission:
To provide high quality English language instruction that will equip students with linguistic, academic and cultural understanding necessary to meet their educational goals.
Our Goals:
- To provide comprehensive English as a second language (ESL) instruction.
- To provide students with the cultural knowledge and awareness needed to function satisfactorily, both academically and socially, in the United States.
- To prepare students for academic purposes with the academic skills and strategies to help them be successful.
We now serve 60+ languages in our district.
NEISD Language Programs
Dual Language Program
-
NEWCOMER PROGRAM
Newcomer Program provides a safe and scaffolded learning environment where diversity is valued in transitioning students to meet high expectations for language acquisition, academic achievement, and responsible citizenship.
The NEISD Newcomer program is for recent arrival of refugees or asylees. This program provides the support of a safe learning environment in order for the students to begin acclimating to U. S. schools. The newcomer program assists students by providing the linguistic, cognitive, and academic needs while holding high standards. The students will participate in the program for no more than 2 years as it depends on an individual student basis.
Program Breakdown
The NEISD Newcomer program is for recent arrival of refugees or asylees. This program provides the support of a safe learning environment in order for the students to begin acclimating to U. S. schools. The newcomer program assists students by providing the linguistic, cognitive, and academic needs while holding high standards. The students will participate in the program for no more than 2 years as it depends on an individual student basis.
The NEISD Newcomer Program provides a safe and scaffolded learning environment where diversity is valued in transitioning students to meet high expectations for language acquisition, academic achievement, and responsible citizenship.
Grades Pre-K - 5th
Your child will be assigned to a certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher to help build your child’s proficiency in English. Reading, Writing, Science and Math are taught with ESL strategies. A bilingual dictionary in your child’s first language and English will be available for all core subjects as necessary. Additionally for students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 who may be taking the state assessment, the ESL teacher will align classroom instruction and assessment accommodations to designated supports permitted.
Grades 6th - 8th
Your son or daughter will be assigned to newcomer Reading, English (Writing) class, and a sheltered Math, Science and Social Studies class. The reading and English classes all have certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. However, all subjects will have teachers who include accommodations and strategies to help build your child’s proficiency in English. Accommodations in classroom instruction and assessment accommodations to designated supports permitted on state assessments.
Grades 9th - 12th
Your high school student will be assigned to a newcomer English (writing) and reading class along with sheltered Math, Science and Social Studies class. The reading and English classes all have certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. However, all subjects will have teachers who include accommodations and strategies to help build your child’s proficiency in English. Accommodations in classroom instruction and assessment accommodations to designated supports permitted on state assessments.
-
Class Placement
= One-on-One Support from ESL Certified Teacher
= Classroom environment with accommodations
Subject
Grades pre-k-5
Grades 6-12
Reading


English


Math


Science


-
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What can I do to help my child at home?
- Read with your child daily in home language.
- Work with your child in speaking and other skills in your home language.
-
Are there summer language programs for my child?
The district may offer newcomer summer camps in elementary, middle and high school. Please contact Kerry Haupert at (210) 407-0063.
-
What are the behavior expectations for my child?
Students are expected to respect the rights and privileges of other students and adults while at school. This is so that the learning environment at school is positive and constructive. It is the belief of NEISD that students are responsible for the choices they make and can be taught behavior expectations. Refer to the NEISD Student/Parent Handbook.
-
What are the homework expectations for my child?
Expectations depending on your child’s grade level. The general difference is whether the homework is graded or not and the criteria for extended assignments/projects. Refer to the homework guidelines for elementary and secondary (middle and high school).
-
What are the attendance expectations for my child?
Students are expected to attend school Monday through Friday during the school year. Contact your child’s school for its start and end time. You can review the academic calendar for holidays during the school year.
The state of Texas expects that your child will not be absent more than nine (9) school days within a six-month period in the same school year. Excessive absences can result in loss of credit unless the student makes up the missed work in an acceptable alternative manner including but not limited to: Saturday School, Summer School, or after school hours. Parents can appeal to the school principal for unusual extenuating circumstances.
-
Is ESL different in elementary from middle school or high school?
Yes. In elementary, a child is assigned a certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher to help build your child’s proficiency in English in Reading, Writing, Science and Math. These subjects are taught by the same ESL teacher. In middle and high school, students are enrolled in sheltered language arts, math, science and social studies class in which they will receive learning accommodations appropriate to their level of English acquisition.
Newcomer classes may be part of either elementary, middle or secondary schools. For more information on these classes, please email khaupe@neisd.net.
-
Does my child still learn English if they are in the Dual Language program?
Absolutely! Our district believes that the best way for a child to learn a second language is to build about his/her first language. The North East Dual Language is PK through Grade 12. The elementary program gradually increases English the child is exposed to in each subject, while the middle and high school programs focus on subject areas taught in Spanish.
-
How will I know if my child is progressing toward meeting academic standards?
The ESL teacher will provide grade level standards and apply strategies that assist students with second language acquisition.
-
Who will teach my child in an ESL program?
The child will be taught by a highly qualified ESL certified teacher.
-
What is the ESL Program in North East ISD?
The district offers ESL to students in pre-k through 12th grade by providing targeted and systematic instruction. The ESL program is taught with high expectations through the English language proficiency standards and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading, Spanish Language Arts and English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
-
Why enroll my child in the ESL program?
Your child will have subject matter presented in the most comprehensible manner for your child by ESL teachers who are highly qualified and are specially trained on helping children acquire a second language. Your child’s emotional, cognitive, and linguistic needs will be met by ESL teachers. His/her strengths and needs will be recognized by his/her ESL teacher and will be able to differentiate how your child is taught subject matter in English.
-
What schools offer the ESL program?
The ESL program is offered at all campuses in North East ISD.
-
How do I register my children for school?
If you are new to U.S. schools or a refugee/asylee, contact Kerry Haupert at (210) 407-0063. If you have been in U.S. schools, you can do so by visiting the Early Childhood Education page.