English Learner Supports
How Is a Student Classified as an English Learner in CPS?
When a student is enrolled in a CPS school for the first time, the student’s parent or legal guardian is given a Home Language Survey to complete. The Home Language Survey, or HLS, asks two questions:
When a student is enrolled in a CPS school for the first time, the student’s parent or legal guardian is given a Home Language Survey to complete. The Home Language Survey, or HLS, asks two questions:
- Is a language other than English spoken in your home?
- Does the student speak a language other than English?
Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)Schools with 20 or more ELs who speak the same home language are required to provide a TBE Program. ELs in TBE Programs must receive instruction in all of the following areas:
- Language Arts in the home language
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to help develop students’ English Language Proficiency
- Core subjects (math, science, social science) provided in both English and the native language
- Instruction in the history and culture of the U.S.
- Instruction in the history and culture of the native land of the ELs (or of their parents)
- All instruction provided in English must include supports and modifications that are appropriate for the EL’s level of English language proficiency
Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI)Schools with 19 or fewer ELs who speak the same home language are required to provide a TPI Program. This includes schools in which there are more than 19 total ELs, but less than 19 who speak any one language. ELs in TPI Programs must receive instruction in all of the following areas:
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to help develop students’ English language proficiency
- Core subjects (math, science, social science) provided in English
- Instruction in the history and culture of the U.S.
- Instruction in the history and culture of the native land of the ELs (or of their parents)
- All instruction provided in English must include supports and modifications that are appropriate for the EL’s level of English Language Proficiency
- If a teacher, assistant, or tutor is available who speaks the EL’s home language, the school may provide support in the home language to the extent possible
