Dual Language Program
Preparing Students to Thrive in Two Languages
The Wood Dale School District 7 Dual Language Program prepares students to become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally competent through high-quality instruction in English and Spanish. The program welcomes Spanish-speaking English Learners, English-speaking students, and multilingual learners from other language backgrounds, creating a diverse learning community where students develop proficiency in multiple languages while achieving high levels of academic success aligned to Illinois learning standards.
Spanish-speaking English Learners receive the required Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) services through the Dual Language Program. Participation is elective for English-speaking students and is based on available space.
Why Choose Dual Language?
Learning in two languages provides students with lifelong academic, social, and career advantages. Research shows that students in high-quality Dual Language programs develop strong language and literacy skills while meeting grade-level academic expectations.
Students in the Wood Dale School District 7 Dual Language Program benefit from:
- Bilingualism and Biliteracy – Develop the ability to speak, read, and write confidently in both English and Spanish.
- Academic Achievement – Build strong literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while learning rigorous grade-level content.
- Cognitive Benefits – Strengthen memory, attention, flexibility in thinking, and executive functioning through learning in two languages.
- Cultural Competence – Develop an appreciation for diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences while learning alongside classmates from different backgrounds.
- Future Opportunities – Gain valuable language skills that prepare students for college, careers, and participation in an increasingly multilingual and global society.
- Confidence and Communication – Become effective communicators who can collaborate and build relationships across languages and cultures.
The greatest benefits of Dual Language education are achieved when students participate consistently throughout the program.
Program Model
Wood Dale School District 7 follows an 80/20 Dual Language model.
- Kindergarten: Students receive approximately 80% of instruction in Spanish and 20% in English.
- Each year, English instructional time gradually increases until students receive a 50/50 balance of instruction in English and Spanish beginning in the intermediate grades.
- Junior High: Students continue developing bilingualism by taking Spanish Language Arts and Social Studies in Spanish, while English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and other courses are taught in English.
Teachers follow a district Language Allocation Plan that identifies which subjects are taught in each language at every grade level.
Program Commitment
The Dual Language Program is designed as a long-term educational pathway. Research shows that students experience the greatest academic and language benefits when they participate continuously.
- Spanish-speaking English Learners remain in the Dual Language Program through at least eighth grade, even after meeting English language proficiency criteria.
- Families of English-speaking students are encouraged to commit to the program through eighth grade to maximize bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement.
Kindergarten Enrollment
Families interested in enrolling an incoming kindergarten student in the Dual Language Program are invited to attend the annual Dual Language Information Night. During this event, families will:
- Learn about the goals and structure of the program.
- Understand the long-term commitment and benefits of bilingual education.
- Ask questions about enrollment and program expectations.
- Complete the Dual Language Consent Form.