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Department of Multilingual Education

A blue circular logo with the text 'Lamar CISD Department of Multilingual Education' surrounding a globe.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to inspire, support, and motivate students by removing cultural, linguistic, and social barriers so that each student receives an exemplary education, achieves academic, linguistic, and social success, and participates in future social, economic, and educational opportunities.

Our Goals

The Department of Multilingual Education will always commit to

  • demonstrating appreciation and providing awareness for diverse LCISD student cultures and languages.

  • promoting high academic student success by implementing instructional classroom practices that are founded on standards and research-based sheltered instructional strategies.

  • creating integral opportunities for meaningful & healthy partnerships between schools, families, and community in order to nourish the linguistic, academic, and emotional needs of English learners.

  • offering collaborative opportunities for LCISD educators to develop student-focused goal-setting, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

  • cultivating inclusive learning experiences designed to value multilingual and diverse cultures within LCISD campuses.

  • ensuring linguistic equity and providing students with access to culturally relevant resources and educational experiences.

  • promoting mastery of the English language in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through the utilization of content and language support in order to become English Proficient and/or achieve the Seal of Biliteracy.

A Message from our Superintendent About Language Development in Lamar CISD

A portrait of a man with a beard and a friendly smile.

Lamar CISD proudly welcomes students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, speaking over 100 heritage languages. We celebrate this diversity, fostering language proficiency while valuing heritage languages and cultures.

Our language programs provide low-stress opportunities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, ensuring content is accessible across all subjects. Beyond academics, we cultivate critical thinking, literacy, and cognitive skills to prepare students for success in a diverse world.

As our community grows, we remain committed to exceptional language programs that empower students to reach their full potential and contribute to a global society.

Warm regards,
Dr. Roosevelt Nivens

Lamar CISD Language Program Frequently Asked Questions

  • An Emergent Bilingual (EB) student is a student who is in the process of acquiring English and has another language as the primary language. The term emergent bilingual student replaced the term English learner in the Texas Education Code 29, Subchapter B after the September 1, 2021, update.

     

    Why is the term used instead of English Learner (EL) or English Language Learner (ELL)?

    • It's a positive term that emphasizes that both languages are valuable. 
    • It's an asset-based term that focuses on the potential for bilingualism. 
    • It encourages schools to celebrate linguistic diversity. 

  • Identification

    1. Parents fill out a Home Language Survey (HLS) when a child is first registered for a Texas public school.
    2. If parents put a language other than English, the child is scheduled to test their English level.
    3. The child's English levels are tested using the LAS Links Battery of language proficiency assessments.
      • Pre-K - 1st Grade are tested on Speaking and Listening
      • 2nd - 12th Grades are tested on Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing
    4. Based on the child's score, the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will classify your child as English proficient or as an emergent bilingual student.
    5. The LPAC will recommend a bilingual education program (bilingual or ESL) and get approval from the parent.

     

    Reclassification

    In order for a student to be reclassified, or be considered English proficient, they will need to take and pass the required tests based on their grade level.

    Texas English Learner Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS)

    Tests the student’s English language proficiency for Kindergarten through 12th grade.

    State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)

    Tests the student’s academic knowledge of English for 3rd through 8th grade.

    End of Course (EOC)

    Tests the student’s academic knowledge of English for 9th and 10th grade.

    Iowa Assessments, Form F

    Tests students showing high levels of English proficiency in the area of English academic achievement in grades 1-2 and 11-12.

    A student may only be reclassified as English proficient

    • at the end of the school year,
    • based on the LPAC’s recommendation when STAAR, EOC, and TELPAS data are reviewed, and
    • it is determined if that the student has met the state’s criteria for reclassification as English proficient.

     

    Parental approval of program exit is required in order for a student to exit program services.

  • Elementary

    • Dual Language One-Way: Emergent bilingual students receive instruction in literacy and academic content in their partner language as well as English from teachers certified in bilingual/ESL education. At least 50% of the instruction is delivered in the students’ primary language for the duration of the program.
    • ESL Content-Based: Emergent bilingual students receive all content area instruction (English language arts and reading, mathematics, science, and social studies) by ESL certified teachers. Delivery of content includes CBLI practices.

    Secondary

    • ESL Pull-Out: Emergent bilingual students receive their English language arts and reading instruction from an ESL certified teacher. All content areas will include CBLI practices.

TEA Description of the Emergent Bilingual Identification Process

English

Spanish

Bilingual Education Program

Developing language, literacy, and academics in Spanish and English.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Building English language skills while mastering academic content.

World Languages

Developing biliteracy in Spanish, French, and ASL.

Summer School Programming

Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Emergent Bilingual Summer School Program

Family & Community Resources

Services and programs that support families and communities.

Title III Resources

Title III is a federal program that helps English learners and immigrant students become proficient in English and meet academic standards.

Questions?

  • A Message from our DirectorA woman with short, curly hair smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a green jacket over a white shirt against a blue background.

    Greetings!  I want to celebrate our incredible diversity that enriches Lamar CISD and the surrounding communities.  Every language spoken, every culture represented, and every unique story directly contributes to the dynamic tapestry of our school environment.  I firmly believe these contributions have an even greater and positive impact on society.

    Multilingual students are not just learners, they are ambassadors of their culture, bringing rare perspectives that enhance classrooms and foster a rich learning experience for all. It is inspiring to see students grow not only academically and linguistically but also as compassionate global citizens who value and respect one another's backgrounds.

    Let us continue to support and uplift each other as we celebrate our differences and encourage our students to thrive in a multilingual world. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

    Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students’ growth!

     

    Department of Multilingial Education

     Name                                 Title       Email Contact
     Dr. Rosemary Anthony           Director, Department of Multilingual Education         Rosemary.Anthony@lcisd.org 
     Esmeralda Briones  Administrative Assistant to Bilingual/ESL Director  Esmeralda.Briones@lcisd.org 
     Cynthia Principe  Bilingual Facilitator   CPrincipe@lcisd.org
     Elisabeth Howell   World Languages Facilitator  Elisabeth.howell@lcisd.org
     John Davin  Secondary ESL Facilitator  JDavin@lcisd.org
     Kim Lybarger  Elementary ESL Facilitator   KLybarger@lcisd.org 
     Amanda Moreno  Emengent BIlingual Compliance Facilitator  AMoreno@lcisd.org
     Kyndra Gurbach  Emergent Bilingual Compliance Facilitator   KGurbach@lcisd.org
     Susana Benitez  Bilingual/ESL Professional Development Specialist       SBenitez@lcisd.org

     

     

           

  • The Department of Multilingual Education

    Lamar CISD

    3911 Ave I

    Rosenberg, TX 77471

    832.223.0439