Our Role

The Alief ISD Second Language Department is dedicated to developing language and content in both English and other Languages through strong programs and research-based pedagogy.

Our Vision

The SLE Department will ensure equal access to meaningful, stellar programs for students, staff, and parents to develop model citizens who thrive in and impact the world.

Our Mission

The SLE Department will ensure the consistent implementation of research-based best practices and work collaboratively  to develop highly trained staff in order to move students along the continuum of language and content to provide an exemplary education.

Who are English Language Learners?

Students whose first language (L1) is a language other than English and who have been identified as limited in English per assessments are known as English Language Learners (ELLs) or Limited English Proficient (LEP).  These terms are used interchangeably.

How does Alief ISD identify English Language Learners for Bilingual and ESL Programs?

Students with languages other than English on the Home Language Survey are administered an oral language proficiency test (grades PK-12), reading norm-referenced test (grades 2-12), and language norm-referenced test (grades 2-12) to determine language proficiency in English.  If a student meets LEP/ELL identification criteria, the student's parent(s) will be offered an ESL or Bilingual program.