How are Emergent Bilingual Students Identified?

Upon a student’s initial enrollment in Texas public schools, a TEA required Home Language Survey (HLS) is administered, asking three questions about what languages are spoken in the home, by the student, and in any previous home environments.

• If the languages used at home, by the child, and in any previous home setting (if applicable) are indicated as English; the child is Non-EB. The student will not receive bilingual or English as a second language (ESL) services.
  
  
• If the languages spoken at home, by the child, and in any previous home setting (if applicable) are indicated as English and another language or the language spoken at home, by the child, and in any previous home setting (if applicable) are indicated as languages other than English; the student will be assessed for English proficiency. 

• If the English proficiency test identifies the child as Non-EB, they will be placed in a General Education Classroom. 
• If the English proficiency test identifies the child as an Emergent Bilingual (EB) student, the Dual Language Program
• or the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program will be offered.