Bobcat Proud: Celebrating HISD's Emergent Bilingual Students!

Hallsville ISD recognized the hard work and academic achievement of students who have successfully met the requirements to exit the district’s Emergent Bilingual Program at the September meeting of the HISD Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees and Bilingual Department recently recognized these students for reaching an important milestone in their educational journeys. Across the district, 27 students attending Hallsville ISD’s brick-and-mortar campuses met the criteria, along with 190 students from Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville (TVAH).

Earning program exit status requires significant academic and language achievement. The students recognized successfully met applicable STAAR requirements while also demonstrating a high level of English proficiency through TELPAS, which assesses students in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For students in grade levels without a STAAR assessment, an additional nationally normed assessment is required.

These accomplishments are especially meaningful because the Emergent Bilingual Program is designed to develop much more than conversational English. Hallsville ISD describes its program as helping students become fluent listeners, speakers, readers, and writers while simultaneously building the academic skills necessary for success. The district uses research-based methodologies and sheltered instruction strategies to make academic content accessible as students develop English proficiency.

At the elementary level, Hallsville ISD provides English as a Second Language services and currently offers an alternate bilingual program to meet the needs of its diverse learners. At the secondary level, ESL instruction is available across campuses, with English Language Proficiency Standards integrated throughout subject areas so students can continue developing both their academic knowledge and English-language skills.

The district’s approach also recognizes the importance of students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds while helping them develop the skills and confidence necessary for success in school and beyond.

Reaching the point of exiting the program represents years of growth, perseverance, instruction, and support. It is an accomplishment shared not only by the students themselves, but also by the teachers, bilingual and ESL staff members, families, and others who have encouraged them throughout the process.

Hallsville ISD proudly congratulates all 217 students recognized for reaching this milestone! We are incredibly proud of their hard work and determination and hope they will continue developing and celebrating their language skills for years to come.

Way to go, Bobcats! This is something to be BOBCAT PROUD of! 💜🐾