English Language Learning Program

Maercker School District 60 values the cultural and linguistic diversity in our school communities.  District 60 offers a comprehensive program for students whose primary language is not English.  The goal of the program is to teach skills to students whose native language is other than English in order to be successful in the general education environment. 

· Approximately 12% of our students come from homes where a language other than English is spoken.

· More than 25 different languages are spoken in the homes of our students.

· More than 12% (150 students) of our students are English Language Learners and are provided instruction through the English Language Learning Program.

Maercker School District 60 ELL Program has two components:

1.   English as a Second Language Services (ESL)

2.   Bilingual Education

All English Language Learners are assigned to a general education classroom and receive instruction from an ESL or Bilingual teacher.  The frequency and duration of services is based on the child’s English Language Proficiency.

Identification

When students enroll in a District 60 school, the family is asked to complete enrollment information that includes a “Home Language Survey”.  Information on this form identifies languages spoken in the home by the student or other members of the household.  When a language other than English is spoken in the home, the student is given a language proficiency test to determine if they have any second language needs that require services. 

Programs

Several programs are offered to support students.  Depending on their skills level, students may be in a program for the core academic subjects (language arts, math, science and social studies) or may be in a program for only a portion of these subjects.  All students participate with English speaking students for such classes such as music, art, physical education, library and recess.

English as a Second Language (Transitional Program of Instruction)

All of the District’s schools offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.  ESL services are offered in school where 19 or fewer Limited English Proficient (LEP) students are of the same language group.  These classes are designed to increase both academic and social skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The classes are taught in English and are designed to:

· Develop English skills while learning grade level academic content

· Develop academic English language proficiency to assist students in meeting both the Illinois Learning Standards as well as English Language Proficiency Standards

Bilingual Education (Transitional Bilingual Education)

These classes are taught in the child’s native language while they are acquiring English skills.  The focus on instruction may be on reading, language arts, and math. Bilingual classes are offered when 20 or more students with the same native language are enrolled in the same school.  Holmes School currently offers a program in Spanish.  The goals of the program are to:

· Develop English skills while learning grade level academic content

· Develop academic English language proficiency to assist students in meeting both the Illinois Learning Standards as well as English Language Proficiency Standards.

Monitoring Services

Students who have received ESL or Bilingual Classes and no longer require direct services are monitored by ELL staff.  Staff may meet with the students and consult with their teacher to help in planning activities while the student still learns English.

Services to Parents

  Parent Advisory Committee

A committee of ELL parents, community members and District 60 staff meets to discuss issues of importance to families with English Language Learners.

  Interpreters and Translators

The District contracts with several individuals who speak both English and another language to help communicate with families during school events, parent teacher conferences and phone calls.  If a parent is in need of a translator they should contact their child’s teacher.

Enrollment

The enrollment process for ESL and bilingual students is the same as for other students.  Families should go to the home school in which the child would attend or the district office.  They should be prepared to present the following information for enrollment:

· Birth certificate

· Proof of residency

· A written record of required immunizations and physical examination performed within the year preceding enrollment

· A copy of the school record from any school the child previously attended.  (Official school records from a school within the United States will be requested by the school after the parent completes a release form)

More information about enrolling in District 60 can be obtained by calling the Special Services Office, the school the student will attend, or the District’s web page.