The El Paso Independent School District, in an effort to reduce the dropout rate and promote academic success among Hispanics, developed a high-intensity language training (HILT) curriculum in English as a second language (ESL) for limited-English-speaking students, to prepare them for full participation in regular subject-area courses. The program began in January 1982 with four levels of instruction (beginning, intermediate, advanced, and transitional) and two curriculum plans, one for students who had attended school for six or more years in their native countries, and one for students with less than six years of schooling. Each program level represents one semester in grades 9-12 and one school year in grades 7-8. Enrollment is 8-12 students in beginning courses, 15-20 in intermediate courses, and regular class size in advanced and transitional courses. Sheltered subject-area courses are included in the program at each level. Inservice teacher education workshops for both ESL and subject-area teachers has become an integral part of the program. The program has proven successful in raising the HILT students' academic achievement and ability to function in content classes. (MSE)