Bilingual Services

The Dual Language provides instruction in Spanish and English.  Students develop speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in two languages.  Dual language began in kindergarten at Greenbrook School in August 2023. Waterbury School opened their first kindergarten class in August 2024. Based on registration numbers, our dual language may take one of two forms, as explained below:

• One-Way Dual Language:  Spanish speaking ELs are scheduled into a dual language class with instruction in Spanish and English.  Students receive instruction from their classroom teacher who also has a bilingual endorsement.
• Two-Way Dual Language:  Spanish speaking ELs and native English-speaking students are schedule together into a dual language class.  All students receive instruction in Spanish and English.  They receive instruction from their classroom teacher who also has a bilingual endorsement.

The goal of the Dual Language Program is to enable all students to become bilingual and biliterate in both Spanish and English.  Students will be provided with a challenging, enrichment program to promote high levels of academic achievement in both languages, while encouraging and growing positive, cross-cultural attitudes and relationships.

Keeneyville School District 20 offers a variety of programs for English Learners who need language content assistance.

English Language Development (ELD) serves students from different language backgrounds.  Instruction is provided in English, with limited support in the native language, if available.  Students may be pulled from a traditional classroom and given intensive ELD resource support, or students may be assigned to a self-contained "sheltered" ELD class.  Services are offered preK through 8th grade.

• 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.  ESL teachers also utilize a push in model to provide ELD support within the general education classroom setting.
• 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.

The Home Language Survey

At the time of registration, families must complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). On this survey, there are two questions related to language use in the home. If a family answers YES to either question, the student’s English language proficiency is tested.

• Is another language other than English spoken in your home?
• Does your child speak another language other than English?

This screening process of English language proficiency is required by law for all school districts in Illinois. It is your child’s right to be screened and receive support if he or she qualifies for English Learner services.

Qualifying Students

The state of Illinois sets the cutoff scores for English language proficiency. When students do not meet proficiency as designated by the state, they have the right to receive English language support. Qualifying students are placed into an English Learner program.

Annual Assessment

Qualifying English Learners must be assessed annually with the state required assessment. This assessment measures students’ level of English proficiency and growth in English acquisition and academic vocabulary. English Learners must take this test every year until they no longer qualify, according to the state of Illinois. Once a student is identified as an English Learner, the only way of exiting the program is to meet English language proficiency criteria on this annual assessment, as set by the state of Illinois.

What is BPAC?

The D20 Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) is a group of parents who have students in the English Learner (EL) Language Program.  There are over 285 K-8 Grade Students in the District's EL Program. 

BPAC assists in making decisions around family involvement and programming.  The Committee also serves to encourage the participation of parents and families in their child's education.  BPAC provides an opportunity to grow diversity by being bicultural.

What would I do?

• Attend meetings 3-4 times a year.
• Help plan events for parents and families.
• Work with teachers to set up BPAC events.
• Have a voice in what is needed for your child's education.

NOTE:  Interpreters and childcare provided and meetings and workshops.

To join BPAC or for more information, please contact Maria Noyola at mnoyola@esd20.org or (630) 894-4004.