Friendship ISD reports growth in dual-language and ESL participation; adult classes and contests highlighted

Administration presented an effectiveness report on the district’s ESL and bilingual programs, reporting steady growth in participation and several program highlights.

“Of course, we have 34 different languages here at Friendship,” a presenter said, and went on to list Spanish as the largest language group with 471 students, followed by Vietnamese (44) and Filipino (36). The presenter said the district has about 656 emergent bilingual students and 225 dual-language students from pre-K through grade 12.

The report noted program features and accomplishments: fifth-grade dual-language students can earn a Spanish I credit if they meet specific criteria; the district held its fourth annual biliteracy/syllabus literacy banquet and reported the highest number of qualifying students to date; and the district has qualified students for the National Spanish Spelling Bee in multiple years, including a student who finished sixth nationally in one appearance.

Administrators also described Title III parent meetings, community engagement events across campuses and evening adult-ESL classes offered twice weekly. The presenter said adult classes typically start with 15–16 parents and conclude with about five to seven participants by year’s end but that feedback has been positive.

Board members asked clarifying questions and were given details on program events. The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken.