The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Bilingual education allotment--An adjusted basic funding allotment provided for each school district based on student average daily attendance in a bilingual education or English as a second language (ESL) program in accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §42.153.
2. (2) Certified English as a second language teacher--The term "certified English as a second language teacher" as used in this subchapter is synonymous with the term "professional transitional language educator" used in TEC, §29.063.
3. (3) Dual language immersion--A state-approved bilingual program model in accordance with TEC, §29.066.
4. (4) Dual-language instruction--An educational approach that focuses on the use of English and the student's primary language for instructional purposes.
5. (5) English as a second language program--A special language program in accordance with TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter B.
6. (6) English language proficiency standards (ELPS)--Standards to be published along with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for each subject in the required curriculum outlined in Chapter 74 of this title (relating to Curriculum Requirements), including foundation and enrichment areas, ELPS, and college and career readiness standards.
7. (7) English learner (EL)--A student who is in the process of acquiring English and has another language as the student's primary or home language. The terms English language learner (ELL) and English learner are used interchangeably and are synonymous with limited English proficient (LEP) student, as used in TEC, Chapter 29, Subchapter B.
8. (8) Exit--The point when a student is no longer classified as LEP/EL (i.e., the student is reclassified), no longer requires bilingual or ESL program services, and is classified as non-LEP/English proficient (EP) in the Texas Student Data System Public Education Information Management System (TSDS PEIMS). The term "exit" as used in this subchapter is synonymous with the description in TEC, Chapter 29, of "transferring out" of bilingual or special language programming.
9. (9) Reclassification--The process by which the language proficiency assessment committee determines that an English learner has met the appropriate criteria to be classified as non-LEP/EP and is coded as such in TSDS PEIMS.
10. (10) School district--For the purposes of this subchapter, the definition of a school district includes a local education agency, an open-enrollment charter school, and a district of innovation.
11. (11) Prekindergarten--For purposes of this subchapter, prekindergarten describes students enrolled in a 3- or 4-year-old prekindergarten program, as well as 3- or 4-year-old students enrolled in an early education setting.
12. (12) Alternative language program--A program that meets the affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs of ELs and equips the teacher under a bilingual education or ESL waiver described in §89.1207 of this title (relating to Bilingual Education Exceptions and English as a Second Language Waivers) through the comprehensive professional development plan.
13. (13) Parent--The term "parent" as used in this subchapter includes the parent or legal guardian of the student in accordance with TEC, §29.052.

Source Note:The provisions of this §89.1203 adopted to be effective May 28, 2012, 37 TexReg 3822; amended to be effective July 15, 2018, 43 TexReg 4731; amended to be effective April 14, 2020, 45 TexReg 2415.