Desoto independent school district

Mission:  Our goal is to build the capacity of district staff in understanding the second language acquisition process, the expectations for students served in language support programs, and district responsibilities related to state and federal requirements. We support the three pillars of dual language education: bilingualism and biliteracy; grade-level academic achievement; and cross-cultural competence. The focus revolves around supporting all stakeholders in delivering relevant and meaningful content while meeting the needs of linguistically and culturally diverse students.

DeSoto ISD offers language programs for identified Emergent Bilingual students in either the Bilingual/Dual Language Immersion framework or ESL program.

The Bilingual Education program is offered in grades Pk-5th. The program model is the One-Way Dual Language Immersion (DLI) bilingual model, which serves students who are learning English.  Starting in 2019-20, the framework is the Gómez & Gómez DLE model. The program is offered at Cockrell Hill Elementary in grades Pk-2 and at Frank Moates for grades 3-5. 

The ESL program is offered in grades Pk-12th District-wide and follows the content-based and pull-out models. 

New term: Emergent Bilingual (EB) In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed a new law changing the way the state refers to students who speak a home language other than English. Rather than the terms, "Limited English proficient" and "English learner," the state now uses the asset-based term, "Emergent Bilingual."