This report covers TEA’s video on the new bilingual allotment under HB 3. The video can be found here. The video covered the HB 3 Bilingual Education Allotment (BEA), bilingual education background, changes in BEA funding, BEA spending requirements and bilingual education support.
This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics the committee took up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the hearing, but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.
- Bilingual Education Allotment Key Points:
- Additional funding (.05 or $308) for LEP/English learners and non LEP/English learners in a bilingual education program using dual language immersion.
- 55% of BEA funds must be used in providing bilingual education of special language (ESL) programs and spending definitions have been expanded.
- TEA will expand the tools and resources available for dual language immersion.
- Defines the difference between: Limited English Proficient, English Lang Learner, and English Learner
- English Learner Program models:
- Bilingual versus English as a Second Language:
- Rule of 20
- There are Three Bilingual Education Program Models
- ESL (content-based and pull-out)
- Transitional Bilingual (early exit and late exit)
- Dial Language Immersion (DLI) (one-way and two-way)
- Every student who participates in a state-approved English Learner Program draws BE allotment funds at the basic level of 0.1
- What is new in HB 3 is the affordance of an additional allotment, which is offered only in cases where Dual Language Immersion is being implemented.
- Changes to BEA:
- Before, funding for LEP students was $514 per student. Now, funding for any LEP students in any language program (0.1 x BA for LEP = $616 per year).
- LEP students participating in dual language immersion programs will receive additional funding (0.15 x BA for LEP in dual language = $924 per year).
- Non-LEP students participating in a two-way dual language immersion program will receive additional funding (0.05 x BA for non-LEP = $308).
- BEA Fund Use:
- At least 55% of the BEA funds must be spent on the six following categories.
- Instructional materials and equipment
- Staff development
- Supplemental staff expenses
- Salary supplements for teachers
- New: incremental costs associated with providing smaller class sizes
- Other supplies required for quality instruction
- New reporting requirements:
- The State Board of Education will adopt rules requiring a report on the use of the BEA
- Compliance enforcement with state spending requirements is no different under HB 3
- 29.065 created assistance by agency. The agency will develop tools to assist LEAs in implementing bilingual education.
- At elltx.org:
- ESC support, technical assistance, professional development, program resources, and program guidance