State of Texas Laws and Policies on Bilingual/ESL Education

The Texas Education Code (TEC) is the current law on education and the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) administers these laws. Texas law on bilingual/ESL education was established in 1981. Dual Language immersion law was established in 2001.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) develops policy guidelines to administer these laws (also referred to as Commissioner's Rules) and provides guidance and support to schools and districts.

Below are helpful links to the TEC and TAC related to traditional bilingual/ESL education and dual language enrichment education. It is important to become familiar with these laws and guidelines to follow as it relates to your program.

Laws and policy for districts or schools implementing traditional bilingual/ESL education.

Bilingual/ESL Education

Texas Education Code: 29051SUBCHAPTERB.pdf

Texas Administrative Code: Chap89SUBCHAPTERBB.pdf

Laws and policy for districts or schools implementing dual language immersion education (one-way or two-way).

Dual Language Immersion Education

Texas Education Code: 280051SUBCHAPTERA.pdf

Texas Administrative Code: Chap89SUBCHAPTERFF.pdf