A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download and PRINTING.

ACTION REQUIRED:
Applications due November 1, 2010

September 23, 2010

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

SUBJECT: Bilingual Education Exceptions/Waivers for English as a Second Language

Districts and charter schools are required to identify students of limited English proficiency (LEP) and to serve each student through bilingual education or English as a second language (ESL) programs (Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 29, Subchapter B).

A district or charter school that does not have the appropriately certified teachers to serve LEP students in accordance with 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1205 must apply to Texas Education Agency (TEA) for a bilingual exception and/or ESL waiver. This application must be made each year there is a need for an exception and/or waiver.

Bilingual Education Program Exception: Districts or charter schools that are unable to provide bilingual certified teachers to implement the bilingual programin the elementary grades are required by 19 TAC §89.1207(a) to request from the commissioner of education an exception to the bilingual education program and approval to offer an alternative program.

ESL Program Waiver: Districts or charter schools that are unable to provide ESL certified teachers to implement the ESL program are required by 19 TAC §89.1207(b) to request from the commissioner of education a waiver of the certification requirements for teachers who will provide ESL instruction.

The 2010-2011 Exception/Waiver Application must be requested via email from BilingualExceptions_ESLWaivers@tea.state.tx.us. Please specify “Exception/Waiver Request” in the subject line of the email. All applications are due by November 1, 2010. On or before that date each application must be submitted to TEA as an attachment to an email to BilingualExceptions_ESLWaivers@tea.state.tx.us. The district Bilingual/ESL contact person may request an Exception/Waiver Application and complete it, but all completed applications must be submitted to TEA in an email directly from the superintendent.

If you have questions or need additional information regarding Bilingual Education Exceptions and/or ESL Waivers, please contact Susie Coultress, Director of Bilingual/ESL Education, at (512) 463-9581.

Sincerely,

Anita Givens
Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs