Which is not a requirement for the education of ELLs in Texas?

• A. ELLs must be enrolled in bilingual programs by law
• B. ELLs must have access to bilingual teachers
• C. ELLs must be assessed using the same tests as native speakers
• D. All ELLs should receive bilingual instruction in English and their native language

Answer: (D)

ELL education in Texas centers on giving students the language support they need to access the curriculum, not mandating bilingual instruction in two languages for every student. The statement about all ELLs receiving bilingual instruction in English and their native language isn’t a universal requirement. Districts must provide an appropriate program that supports language development and content learning, and they can choose between bilingual education or English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)/sheltered approaches based on student needs and resources. It’s common for ELLs to receive instruction primarily in English with supports to help comprehension, or to participate in bilingual programs when feasible, but not every student is required to have instruction in both languages.

In practice, districts also ensure qualified staff and use suitable assessments to monitor progress, rather than insisting that every student must follow a bilingual-in-two-languages model.