The focus is to improve students’ English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while preparing them for college or a career.  ELL teachers use sheltered instruction strategies and curriculum based on the current research.

Middle School EB Courses

Students participating in the middle school EB program are provided English language instruction based on their English language proficiency. EB students will receive linguistic support and instruction by ESL-certified English and reading teachers in general education courses or in the English Learners Language Arts (ELLA) Course. All courses use the grade-level TEKS and are cognitively demanding.

English Learners Language Arts Course (ELLA) 

A highly trained ESL-certified teacher provides ESL/English instruction for one period and reading instruction for the other period. Instruction is focused on accelerated language acquisition in the domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the appropriate language level for the student. The curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and uses a state-adopted textbook.

• Beginner or Intermediate on TELPAS
• Three years or less in the country

AVID Excel

The AVID Excel elective class is designed to put middle school EBs on the path to high school AVID and college preparatory coursework. Students use research-based strategies to support them as they write as scholars, learn inquiry techniques, collaborate with peers, organize their learning and read to understand complex text. AVID Excel students excel academically, linguistically and socially. Nationally, 96.4% of AVID Excel students are recommended for college prep courses in high school.

• Advanced or Advanced High on TELPAS
• Has not met standard STAAR Reading 
• 4+ years in US schools

Carter in the Classroom - O'Banion Middle School video

Dual Language Spanish - Sellers MS

The first cohort of elementary dual-language Spanish students will enter grade 6 in the 2022-23 school year.  This program will provide participants with a continued pathway of dual language in a setting of advanced coursework typically offered in high school and college. Students who successfully fulfill the DLI program requirements may also qualify to receive a Performance Acknowledgment in Bilingualism/Biliteracy on their high school transcript. For more information about these requirements please visit the following website: Texas Seal of Biliteracy

General Education courses

Literacy Enrichment - English

• Advanced or higher on TELPAS
• Met or Masters STAAR Reading

High School EB Courses

Students participating in the ESL program at high school will be enrolled in EB courses according to their English language proficiency level. Students receive instruction from a highly trained, certified ESL teacher that focuses on accelerated language acquisition in the domains of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The curriculum for these specialized courses is based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

ESOL I and II

ESOL I and II are English (ELAR) content courses that qualify as English I and II credits toward graduation.

• Beginner or Intermediate on TELPAS
• Three years or less in the country

ELDA I and II

ELDA I and II  are language development courses that accelerate language acquisition, literacy and knowledge for high academic success at the high school level. These courses are taken with ESOL I and II.

• Beginner or Intermediate on TELPAS
• Three years or less in US schools

EB Reading

A supplemental reading course for high school intervention

• Any level on TELPAS
• More than three years in US schools
• A student does not meet passing standards for English I and/or II STAAR EOC scores

General education course

English I, II, III, and IV (ELAR)

• Advanced or higher on TELPAS
• New to the US, but show English language proficiency