Special Programs

Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL):   The bilingual and ESL programs address the needs of students who are identified as limited English proficient (LEP) and are English Language Learners (ELL). These programs are designed to provide ELL students equitable educational opportunities through bilingual education and EL programs that will meet their varied needs. The ultimate goal of the program is to assist English language learners to become literate and competent in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing the English language.

The program serves students with languages other than English and students identified as limited English proficient. While the majority of these students are Spanish-speaking, the population served also includes students whose first language is Cambodian (Khmer), Gujarati, Hindi, Nepali, and Shanghai (Chinese).

 

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program: This special program is designed to meet the needs of children and youth who are homeless.  A student is considered homeless if he/she lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. The homeless education program helps students enroll in school even if they lack the required paperwork. It helps them attend their original school or a school where they are currently living. It makes sure that these students receive services comparable to those received by their classmates.

Who qualifies as a homeless students? Homeless students could be sharing a house with other persons due to loss of housing (these may or may not be relatives); could be living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds because of a lack of other accommodations; could be living in emergency shelters; could be abandoned in hospitals or could be awaiting foster care placement.

If you would like more information concerning this program, please contact Shelley Derrick, the Homeless Liasion for MPISD, at (903) 575-2000.