The main purpose of both Bilingual Education Programs, the Dual Language Program and the Transitional Program of Instruction, is to enable Emergent Bilinguals to enhance their comprehension, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through the development of literacy and academic skills in English. Both programs emphasize the mastery of English language skills as integral parts of the academic goals for all students to participate equitably in school.

The type of Bilingual Program used in District 33 is the Dual Language Program (One Way and Two-Way) and the Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI). The Bilingual Program must comply with the Illinois School Code and with District 33’s mission and program goals.  Therefore, it is important that all staff be responsible for the instruction of Emergent Bilinguals and be familiar with and follow the prescribed guidelines as set by the state and district.
 
District 33 provides all Spanish speakers with the opportunity to enroll in a dual language model of instruction; the available research on Dual Language has been found to be the best program for Emergent Bilinguals enrolled in a One-way or Two-Way Dual Language Program from preschool through fifth grade. As of the 2023-2024 school year, in middle school, students enrolled in a dual language program during their elementary years can continue to be in the dual program by taking Advanced Spanish and Civics in Spanish. Based on the student language screener scores, students who are considered emergent bilinguals will be provided with language support based on their needs.

Translanguaging Practices as defined by Dr. Ofelia Garcia, “the process whereby multilingual speakers utilize their languages as an integrated communication system. It is the only way to create meaning while learning. It is the one thing that everyone needs to do in order to successfully develop their languages, develop their ways of knowing, to develop content, develop their social-emotional identities and for society to develop to a more just and equitable society.”
Cross-linguistic Connections: thinking and talking about language; and, in the case of biliteracy, understanding relationships between and within languages. Intentional, direct and explicit attention from the language of instruction to the other about how the languages are similar and different.

As part of our learning community we welcome students from around the world to participate in a learning environment in each of our schools in the district. We work together in partnership with various professionals to provide the services and experiences needed for the students of West Chicago School District 33. Each of our schools welcome students with similar guidelines so that we provide and support students and their families.