Dual Language

One-Way Dual Language services, as outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), are designed for students who share the same native language and who qualify for English language assistance services as required by ISBE. This instructional model supports students in developing high levels of academic achievement in both English and their home/native language. Through instruction in both languages, students build bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural skills, while meeting the same rigorous academic standards as their peers.

Currently, D21 offers these services for students who qualify. These programs are available at the following schools:

• Spanish/English Services are offered from Kindergarten through 5th grade at Field Elementary School and Whitman Elementary School.
• Russian/English Services are offered from Kindergarten through 5th grade at Kilmer Elementary School and Poe Elementary School.

Components of our Dual Language Services:

• This program follows a language allocation progression model. Language allocations are designed to focus on foundational skills in the home/native language (Spanish or Russian) in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. The percentage of home/native language aligns to an 80/20 language model: 80% of the instructional content time is in the home/native language, and 20% is English Language Development (ELD) in Kindergarten. Language allocations change as students move from one grade level to the next, increasing ELD by the end of 5th grade (20% home/native language & 80% English language).
• Students study literacy and core content in both English and their home/native language every day.
• Classrooms are comprised of students who qualify for English language assistance services and have foundational knowledge of their home/native language. Each student is a language expert and a language learner.
• Dual Language programs promote bilingualism and biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement, and cross-cultural competence in all students.
• Students maintain their native language while adding English, and they develop pride in their own culture while developing an understanding of others.
• Participation in this instructional model is optional. Recommendations are made on an individual student basis, taking into consideration home/native language and English language proficiency, and program availability by school.

Additional questions about Language Services should be directed to the district’s Director of Language Services, Ania Figueroa, Ed.S.