English Learners and Dual Language Program
Wood Dale School District 7 is committed to helping multilingual learners develop strong English language skills while achieving success in all academic subjects.
How does a student qualify for EL services?
When a student enrolls in the district, families complete a Home Language Survey. If the survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken at home, the student is screened using the Illinois State Board of Education's approved English language proficiency assessment. Based on the results, the student may qualify for English Learner (EL) services.
District 7 provides language support through either the Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) program or the Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), depending on student needs and state requirements.
Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)
Illinois law requires school districts to offer a Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) program when 20 or more English Learners who share the same home language are enrolled at the same school. In Wood Dale School District 7, Spanish-speaking English Learners receive these required TBE services through the District's Dual Language Program. Students receive language support based on their individual English language proficiency levels while learning grade-level academic content in both English and Spanish. As a long-term bilingual education program, students enrolled in the Dual Language Program continue participating through eighth grade, regardless of when they meet English proficiency benchmarks.
Polish-speaking English Learners who qualify for TBE services receive language support from a Polish-speaking bilingual teacher who collaborates closely with the classroom teacher. Together, they provide instruction and language supports that help students access grade-level learning while continuing to develop their English language proficiency.
Language services continue until students meet Illinois' English language proficiency criteria.
Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI)
A Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) is provided when fewer than 20 English Learners with the same home language are enrolled at a school.
Students receive English language development (ESL) instruction and targeted language support to help them access grade-level academic content. Services may be provided through small-group instruction, collaboration with classroom teachers, or other instructional models based on each student's needs.
Students continue receiving TPI services until they meet Illinois' English language proficiency criteria and no longer require specialized language support.