Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions about TAKS and ESL.

1. What is ESL?
2. Do ESL students take TAKS?
3. What assessments do ESL students take during their 3 years of exemption?
4. During the 3 years of exemption are the students assessed in math?
5. When ESL students take TAKS is it in English, Spanish, or another language?
6. How do students exit from the ESL program?

What is ESL?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language.  Here in Friendswood our ESL program serves students 
who are identified as ELL (English Language Learners) also known as LEP (Limited English Proficient) 
students.

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Do ESL students take TAKS?

Identified ELL students have up to 3 years of being exempt from TAKS.  After the 3 years they must take 
all portions of the TAKS.

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What assessments do ESL students take during their 3 years of exemption?

ESL students are assessed through TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System).  
This system consists of the TOP (Texas Observation Protocol) and the TELPAS Reading.  The system 
assesses the progress of ESL students in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

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During the 3 years of exemption are the students assessed in math?

Students are assessed in math by the LAT (Linguistically Accomodated Test).

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When ESL students take TAKS is it in English, Spanish, or another language?

In Friendswood the majority of the students take TAKS in English.  This is because our instruction 
is only in English.  Spanish TAKS is used rarely and TAKS only exists in English and Spanish.

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How do students exit from the ESL program?

Students must demonstate an advanced high level of language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, 
and speaking.  The student must pass TAKS in order to exit the ESL program.

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