Multilingual Programs/ELL Program

Vision

The English Language Learner and Dual Language Programs at CUSD 201 aim to offer engaging, standards-based academic programs through high-quality instruction. The ultimate goal is to help students become bilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural, thereby producing world-class citizens who can communicate and lead effectively in the 21st century.

Emergent Bilingual (EB) Program

(formerly known as English as a Second Language or ESL)

Students who need support in learning English and improving their fluency can enroll in the Emergent Bilingual (EB) program at any school in Community School District 201. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that meets the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Dual Language Program

Community School District 201 offers a Dual Language program that focuses on teaching students to read, write, listen, and speak fluently in both English and Spanish. The program is specifically designed for English and Spanish learners, with an equal or near-balanced number of students from each category. 

The Dual Language program is aimed at facilitating natural language acquisition for both English and Spanish-speaking students. Students enrolled in the program and are Emergent Bilingual fulfill their ESL requirement through the English instruction provided in the program.

Newcomer English

This program is intended for recent immigrants who have limited or no proficiency in English or formal education in their native countries. The teachers tailor their teaching and learning to meet the educational needs of these students as they participate in general education classes.