• DUAL LANGUAGE: ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    What is a Dual Language program? 

    Dual Language is a form of bilingual education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages. The purpose of the Dual Language Program is to offer instruction across all content areas to provide students with the opportunity to develop a deep academic proficiency in two languages, which will give them the tools to become highly sought-after bilingual professionals in today's more globalized world (Thomas and Collier, 2002). 

    What is a Two Way Dual Language program?

    The Two-Way Dual Language program is a choice program. The class will be composed of students whose heritage language is Spanish and also English dominant speakers (this population may have another language spoken in the home besides English, i.e. Polish, Gujarati, Urdu, etc.). 

    What are the languages of instruction offered in the D41 Dual Language program? 

    The D41 Dual Language program is an English/Spanish program. Students in D41’s Dual Language program will learn academic and social language in both of these languages.  

    What school offers a Dual Language program? 

    The D41 Dual Language program is housed at Churchill elementary.  The kindergarten classroom will either be housed in the kindergarten center or Churchill School, depending on registration numbers. Students attend Churchill school for 1st through 5th grade.

    What are the goals for the Dual Language program?

    • Students will work towards performing at grade level academically in both English and Spanish.
    • Students will develop proficient levels of English and Spanish in the four language domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
    • Students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors. 

    How do families apply to get into the Dual Language program?

    Families interested in enrolling their incoming kindergartner in the Spanish/English Dual Language Program can do so by completing a Dual Language application after completing the kindergarten registration process that begins January 15th, 2025. This application and kindergarten registration should be completed and submitted by Friday, February 14th, 2025 to be entered into the Dual Language Lottery. Please note that indicating interest in the Dual Language Program does not guarantee acceptance into the Dual Language program.  

    All Dual Language applicants are required to complete a home language survey during kindergarten registration.  Multilingual students are required to participate in a language screening assessment to determine English Learning services eligibility.  Monolingual English-speaking students do not need to be screened.

    *Students must be residents of District 41 and be registered for kindergarten in order to be considered for the D41 Dual Language program.

    What happens if there is a lottery?

    Selection for participation in the Dual Language Program is prioritized in the following order:

    1. Siblings of current Dual Language students. 
    2. Students residing in Churchill boundaries.
    3. Students in other D41 schools boundaries.

    The public Dual Language lottery will be hosted virtually at 7:00 p.m. on March 25th, 2025.  Confirmation emails and lottery details will be sent to parents who have indicated interest through the application process and have completed the D41 registration. The names of students not selected for immediate entrance into the program due to space availability will be placed on a waiting list based on the order in which their names were drawn in the lottery. All names received will be drawn to determine the waiting list order. 

    Please note that indicating interest in the Dual Language Program does not guarantee acceptance into the Dual Language program.  

    Why is the program beginning at kindergarten? 

    Research shows that the younger years are the optimal period for children to learn a second language. Before age 10, a child can acquire native language proficiency for accent, grammar and comprehension (Virginia Collier, 1992).

    How will a 50/50 program operate?

    We will open two full-day kindergarten classes for the 2025–26 school year. At the kindergarten level, our program will offer a one-teacher model. Students will remain with the same teacher throughout the day. The kindergarten teachers are bilingual. 

    In 1st - 5th grades, our program is a two-teacher model. One of the teachers will be Spanish-speaking, and the other will be English-speaking. The students will change classes halfway through the day. The class size will be very close to our current kindergarten section.

    Students will receive literacy instruction in both English and Spanish.  Math will be taught in Spanish.  Bridging lessons will be embedded into units of study and during a language block, so that the students can make cross-linguistic connections and be able to demonstrate their learning in both of their languages across content.

    What curriculum will be utilized by the Dual Language program? 

    Students in the Dual Language program will be instructed on the Illinois State Standards, including the Illinois Spanish Language Arts Standards. Dual Language students will receive literacy instruction in both English and Spanish.  

    How is the learning progress different for bilingual students when compared to monolingual students? 

    Due to language learning, Dual Language students process learning at different rates.  This does NOT mean they are behind.  It simply means they meet linguistic and academic targets differently and at a different pace than monolingual students. 

    Can I change my mind after my child has begun the program and have them removed from the Dual Language program?

    We follow best practice and research. We do not recommend removing students from the program once they have begun.  Learning a language is a long-term commitment, and space is very limited within the program. We ask that once students are enrolled in the program that they remain in the program for the duration of their elementary years.   

    What can I do as a parent to get involved in the Dual Language program?

    There are many things that parents can do to be involved within the program.  Parents can volunteer within the classrooms, attend parent events, and promote their children’s learning of a second language.  

    What can I do to support my child with homework at home? 

    Teachers will do their best to ensure that they only send homework home that children can do independently. However, it will be important to provide a quiet space and time for them to work. In addition, ask your children questions about their work. The questions can be asked in the home language. Children answering questions in their home language about work they are doing in their second language will assist them in reinforcing and retaining the information they are learning, regardless of the language. If your child is ever struggling with something that has been sent home, please contact the teacher.   

    What classes are available to my child once they enter Hadley Jr. High? 

    Students who continue in the Dual Language program at the junior high level will take both an English Literacy class and a Spanish Literacy class. These courses prioritize cross-linguistic connections and continued language development in both languages. Dual Language students will learn the same academic standards and concepts as their peers in non-Dual Language classes, ensuring they are fully aligned with grade-level expectations while enhancing their bilingual proficiency.

    If I have additional questions, who can I contact? 

    You can contact Juan Suarez at the Central Services Office at 630-534-7251 or by email at jsuarez@d41.org