Programs; Vietnamese IDENTIFIERS *Austin Independent School District TX

In 1986-87, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) served 4,143 students with limited English proficiency (LEP) through two programs: transitional bilingual education (TBE) programs and English as a second language (ESL) programs. TBE is available to Spanish speakers in grades pre-kindergarten through 8 and to Vietnamese speakers in grades K-6. ESL provides intensive English instruction to students in 49 other language groups. Federal funds have been used to enhance the regular secondary program for Hispanic LEP students. Evaluation shows tnat for AISD-funded programs, LEP students exceeded state standards in 6 of 14 comparisons, showed high Spanish language mastery rates in grade 1 and 3, had a dropout rate twice that of the district as a whole, scored well in comparison with national averages in mathematics in some grades, and have maintained achievement in reading and language above the 23rd percentile after exiting from LEP status. However, the bilingual teacher supply has diminished and programs from 1980-83 have not had long-term effects on retention, exit rate, and achievement. In federally-funded programs, English proficiency improved at four of six graae levels and in each of five subjects, Spanish language results were generally positive, tutoring program participants increased, and teachers supported development efforts. (MSE) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document