What should be the primary instructional basis for students with limited English language skills in Texas?

The primary instructional basis for students with limited English language skills in Texas is the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). The ELPS framework is specifically designed to assist educators in supporting English language learners (ELLs) in achieving proficiency in English while simultaneously engaging with the academic content standards.

ELPS provides a structured approach to integrating language development with content learning, ensuring that instructional practices are aligned with the needs of ELLs across various subjects. This framework emphasizes both language acquisition and the academic skills necessary for students to succeed in a standards-based curriculum. By focusing on the ELPS, educators can better facilitate language learning and academic success for their students with limited English skills.

Other options, while relevant to different aspects of language instruction, do not serve as the primary instructional basis for limited English proficient students. The FLES program is targeted at elementary foreign language education, the ESL program typically refers to programs designed to teach English as a second language, and the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) serves as the overall state curriculum standards, which can incorporate various educational strategies but are not solely focused on language acquisition for ELLs.