Abstract:

The state of Illinois is among thirty-seven states and the District of Colombia implementing the Seal of Biliteracy to value and embrace the diversity of languages and cultures of high school graduates in one or more languages along with the English language. This paper intends to address how School District 299 has implemented Dual Language Education (DLE) programs from PreK-8th grade levels as pathways to help students, mostly English Language Learners (ELLs), to attain proficiency in English and one or more of the world language(s) upon completion of high graduation requirements.

Transitional bilingual education (TBE) programs, also called early-exit programs, are the most common type of bilingual program in the United States. TBE programs target ELLs who speak the same home language and are most commonly implemented in the primary grades of elementary school. The goal of TBE programs is to transition ELLs to an English-medium classroom as quickly as possible.

Researchers and practitioners have identified that TBE programs reflect an assumption that ELLs can become proficient in English in 2 or 3 years and thus be ready for all-English instruction in a mainstream classroom. Many ELLs do not begin school in the United States in kindergarten. They start in the grade level that matches their age at their time of arrival. Since most TBE programs are in the elementary grades, there may not be a TBE program available for many ELLs who would benefit from home language instruction in one or more content areas continue to reinforce their bilingualism and biliteracy.

District 299 has implemented Dual Language Education (DLE) programs beginning in either preschool or kindergarten and implemented up through eighth grade. 35 schools offer students core instruction (language arts, math, science, social science) through a second language with the goal of all students becoming bilingual and biliterate in both the partner language and English. For AY 2018-19 the following languages were the top partner languages in the district: Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Cantonese (Chinese) and Polish. District 299, the third largest district in the United States and the largest district in Illinois has supported and enhanced the State Seal of Biliteracy by creating pathways for their students from Pre-K to high school to maintain and preserve their bilingualism and biliteracy.

Keywords:

State Seal of Biliteracy, Biliteracy, Transitional Bilingual Education, Dual Language Education, Target Language, Partner Languages, English Language Learners.