Multilingual Education
Welcoming Learners of ALL Languages and Backgrounds!
Vision:
Addison School District 4 Department of Biliteracy values and embraces diverse cultures and multilingualism while preparing students to be successful global citizens.
Mission:
Addison School District 4 Department of Biliteracy provides programs of instruction for English Learners (ELs) through authentic, multi-faceted experiences within and beyond the classroom.
Goals:
- English Learners will have equal academic access to core curriculum;
- ELs will develop high levels of proficiency in English and native language (when applicable);
- Families of ELs will have access to community partnerships and resources through district provided support.
Addison School District 4 is committed to providing high quality English Learner (EL) programs that view the students' native language and culture as an asset in the acquisition and development of linguistic, academic and social competencies. A screening and testing program qualifies students for these programs; general characteristics include:
- a language other than English is spoken in the home on a daily basis
- the student’s English language development is limited
According to Illinois Administrative School Code, each district in the state is required to screen all new, enrolling students who have been determined to have a language other than English used in the home. Once an additional language has been indicated, the district is obligated to screen the students with the state mandated screening instrument. The results of the screening instrument are used to determine English Language level, and subsequently, eligibility for EL services.
Addison School District 4 offers a variety of programs for English Learners who need language and content assistance.
- ELD Resource: English learners are grouped by age and English proficiency levels. They meet with an ESL teacher in a pull out setting for instruction in English language development and reading and writing support.
- Sheltered English: English learners are grouped by age and/or English language proficiency level in self-contained settings. They receive instruction from their classroom teacher who also has an ESL endorsement.
