March 26, 2008 - In 2006-2007, AISD enrolled 20,782 English language learners (ELLs), most of whom (96.0%) received Bilingual Education (BE) or English as a second language (ESL) instructional services. Most (76.8%) ELL students attended elementary schools (pre-K-5), and the remaining ELL students (23.2%) attended middle (6-8) and high (9-12) schools. Since 2001-2002, the population of ELL students increased by 35.4% or 5,437 students. AISD ELL students comprised 25.3% of all district students in 2006-2007.

The BE/ESL programs are designed to enable ELL students to become competent in comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition of the English language. This is accomplished through the development of literacy and academic skills in the primary language and through the integrated use of second language methods.  
 
Achievement results for AISD ELL students in 2006-2007 on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) include the following: in 3rd grade 94% met the standard on TAKS English reading and 85% met the standard on Spanish TAKS reading (cumulative percentages after three test administrations). AISD ELL students met the state’s targets on the two Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs), that measure the percentages of ELL students who are making progress in attaining English and the percentages of ELL students who attain English language proficiency each year. Final AYP results from TEA indicate that AISD met AYP standards for 2006-2007. Thus the third AMAO that measures the academic performance of ELL students relative to the academic standards defined by the state also was met.  
 
For more details about the BE/ESL programs and participant outcomes, the summary report can be accessed at:  
http://www.austinisd.org/inside/docs/ope_BEESLReport06-07.pdf