• Support expansion of dual language programs, which currently serve only 1 in 5 emergent bilingual students.

Increase the number of certified bilingual education teachers. Texas has a severe shortage of certified bilingual and ESL teachers. The state needs to address the shortage with certified bilingual education teachers in order to expand bilingual education programs across districts and grade levels.

Collect and report data on the number of students who graduate bilingual or multilingual through the Seal of Biliteracy. In districts where it is offered, the Seal of Biliteracy designates students who have become bilingual and biliterate across academic subjects.

Engage families and community stakeholders throughout the plan. Create a state broadband and technology plan that serves the needs of emergent bilingual students.

Change statutory language for “English learners” to “emergent bilingual” students to prioritize the importance of bilingualism over an English-only focus. 

Pause accountability requirements for assessments for spring 2021, such as Texas English Language Proficiency System (TELPAS) tests. We encourage districts to continue to monitor emergent bilingual (English learner) student learning through local, formative assessments that are not tied to state-requirements or accountability system consequences and are administered over an extended assessment window.

Set clear guidelines for TEA to monitor and report on pandemic-related data.