Dual Language and Immersion Programs

Dual Language and Immersion are programs of choice that are available for all students in District 54. Dual Language classes at the elementary level are composed of approximately 50% English or other language proficient students and 50% Spanish or Japanese-proficient students. Chinese Immersion is a one-way immersion experience where the majority of students have no prior experience or proficiency in the Chinese language. Dual Language and Chinese Immersion teachers, together with the English partner teachers, foster high academic achievement by teaching the two target languages through content. These programs seek to develop academic and cultural competence and bilingualism for students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

District 54 has partnered with the Spanish Embassy and is honored to have our Spanish Dual Language Schools recognized as International Spanish Academies.

 

Program Goals

In addition to the district goals, District 54 also has language goals. The goals are for students in these programs

  • 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; and
  • To demonstrate an appreciation of cultural diversity and cross-cultural competence across a variety of social situations.
Want help supporting your student's language learning?
Parent Support Videos

Parents are informed of their child’s progress in achieving proficiency in the target language through an annual Language Proficiency Report.