English Language Learner Programs in District 54

English Language Learner Programs (ELL)

Students who qualify for program services through an English language proficiency screening receive ELL services at their base elementary and junior high schools.

There are two types of English language learner program services in District 54:  ELL Resource and Dual Language. Dual-language programs are optional open enrollment programs that are available at several schools across District 54.

ELL Resource

Students receive varying levels of language and content support based on the English proficiency level, academic and language needs of the student. The majority of the instruction takes place in the general education classroom with push-in support from the ELL teacher during guided reading.

• Students with lower proficiency levels in English receive additional support from the ELL teacher during a 30-45 minute pull-out time.
• Students receive literacy and math instruction in the general education classroom.
• All students have the opportunity to receive an additional period of literacy- and math-based acceleration during the school day based on the student’s individual needs.
• Students benefit from learning English as a Second Language and through receiving academic support in both English and in their native language (as available). The native language of the student is used to support comprehension and to bridge concepts and vocabulary known in the first language to English.

The goal of the program is to help students transition into the general education classroom at high levels of social and academic English proficiency.

Dual Language Program

The Dual Language Program is unique because all children in the classroom learn two languages and cultures. It is comprised of two groups of students, native English speakers and native speakers of a language other than English. Each student is both a language expert and a language learner.

District 54 has an English-Spanish Dual Language program at MacArthur, Enders-Salk, Hanover Highlands, Link, Eisenhower, Frost and Keller schools, and an English-Japanese Dual Language program at Dooley and Addams schools. The Dual Language program goals are for students:

• To perform academically at grade level in two languages, commensurate with their monolingual English-speaking peers
• To use two languages comfortably and effectively in social situations appropriate for their age level
• To communicate effectively through reading and writing in two languages at a level appropriate for their age
• To demonstrate an appreciation of cultural diversity and cross-cultural competence across a variety of social situations.

Bilingual Parent Advisory Council

The Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) includes parents, community members and program staff working together to reach the goals of the English Language Learner Program. The Bilingual Parent Advisory Council is instrumental in planning the annual District 54 Multicultural Event.  Meetings are held four times a year.  Parents of ELL students are invited to participate and attend the BPAC meetings.

For Further Information

To learn more about the Department of Language and Culture in School District 54, contact us by email or by phone at (847) 357-5075.