Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program Guidance

Washington State serves approximately 140,000 students identified as multilingual English learners. Districts implement transitional bilingual instruction programs, also referred to as English language development programs. These programs are guided by both state and federal laws and policies, sound educational theory, and effective, culturally responsive instructional practices.

Information for families can be found at Learning English in Washington Schools: What Families Should Know.

Washington State Policies & Practices Guide

The following documents provide guidance on required policies and practices for all TBIP programs.

• Washington State Policies & Practices Guide
• Chapter 1: Definitions & Laws
• Chapter 2: Identification & Screening
• Chapter 3: Program Models
• Chapter 4: Dual Language
• Chapter 5: ELD Services
• Chapter 6: MTSS & Special Populations
• Chapter 7: Title III Services
• Chapter 8: Newcomer Students
• Chapter 9: Progress Monitoring & Program Evaluation
• Chapter 10: Staffing, Professional Learning, & Allowable Expenses
• Chapter 11: Family Engagement & Communication
• Chapter 12: Student Data & Reporting

Language Learning Regional Networks

Language Learning Regional Networks (LLRNs) are professional learning communities of school and district language educators and leaders in each Educational Service District (ESD) who meet regularly to engage in professional learning, collaboration, and program improvement planning.

LLRN Schedule & Registration

Region Program Supervisor: Shannon Martin

• ESD 113 LLRN Registration – 2nd Thursdays at 10:00 am
• ESD 114 Staff LLRN Registration – 2nd Thursdays at 3:00 pm
• ESD 114 Administration LLRN Registration – 2nd Thursdays at 3:00 pm

Region Program Supervisor: Sue Connolly & Lindsey Maehlum

• ESD 112 LLRN Registration – Information coming soon!
• ESD 105 LLRN Registration – 4th Wednesdays at 8:30 am
• ESD 123 LLRN Registration – 4th Tuesdays at 8:30 am

Region Program Supervisor: Katie Sperling

• ESD 101 LLRN Registration – 2nd Mondays at 8:30 am
• ESD 171 LLRN Registration – 2nd Mondays at 12:30 pm

Region Program Supervisor: Virginia Morales

• ESD 121 LLRN Registration – 2nd Tuesdays at 10:00 am
• ESD 189 LLRN Registration – 2nd Mondays at 10:30 am

Resources & Toolkits

The following resources can support districts in implementing effective, high-quality, transitional bilingual instruction programs.

• The OSPI Multilingual Learner Plan is a template that districts can use to document plans and procedures for all of the required components of a TBIP program.
• The OSPI Multilingual Learner Program Evaluation template can be used for required annual program evaluation and continous improvement planning.
• The OSPI Multilingual Learner School Plan provides steps for developing strategies to support multilingual learners in School Improvement Plans.
• The OSPI Multilingual Learner Individual Learning Plan is a tool that can be used to craft individualized plans for services and supports.
• The U.S. Department of Education English Learner Toolkit provides valuable information, professional learning activities, and resources to support newly arrived multilingual learners.

Annual Reports to the Legislature

In state law, TBIP is a program within Washington's Basic Education Act - Chapter 28A.180 RCW. OSPI provides an annual report to the legislature on the Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program as required by RCW 28A.180.020.

• TBIP Report 2023
• TBIP Report 2022

Previous legislative reports can be found on the OSPI Reports to the Legislature page.

Professional Organizations & Networks

These professional organizations and networks are intended to advance the educational opportunities of multilingual learners.

List of Professional Organizations and Networks

Center for Applied Linguistics
The Center for Applied Linguistics is a private, nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

Colorín Colorado
A non-profit organization with information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners.

Education Northwest
Chartered in 1966 as Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Education Northwest now conducts nearly 200 projects annually, working with schools, districts, and communities across the country on comprehensive, research-based solutions to the challenges they face.

NABE: National Association for Bilingual Education
National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) [is] a non-profit membership organization…NABE’s priorities include: Improving instructional practices for linguistically and culturally diverse children; providing bilingual educators with more high-quality professional development opportunities.

TESOL: Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages
International professional organization for teachers of English with diverse on-line resources.

Understanding Language
Understanding Language aims to heighten educator awareness of the critical role that language plays in the new Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

WABE: Washington Association for Bilingual Education
The Washington Association for Bilingual Education promotes bilingual/multicultural education throughout the state of Washington in every possible way, at all educational and legislative levels, and among all groups.

WAESOL: Washington Association of Teachers to Speakers of Other Languages
WAESOL, the Washington state affiliate of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), is a professional, non-profit organization whose purposes are to: promote scholarship, disseminate information related to ESL, strengthen at all levels of instruction and research in TESOL and dialects, cooperate in appropriate ways with other groups sharing similar concerns, serve members of the ESL community in the state of Washington.