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EL is the term used for students whose primary home language is other than English and who have been identified as not fluent in using the English language. Students are identified for this program based on their performance on a language screening which assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.

Biliteracy Goal -Learning to read and write in Spanish. The biliteracy instruction provides an effective academic program for English Learners.

The following programs are offered in our schools:

Late Exit Model- The Program is for non-native English speaking students who have difficulty with written or spoken English. The program provides support to help students succeed in academic subjects in their native language. They also have an English class everyday where they learn social and academic English.

Developmental Bilingual Program - The Developmental Bilingual Program (DBE) is for non-native English speaking students who have difficulty with written or spoken English. The program provides support to help students succeed in academic subjects in their native language and learn English in a sheltered environment. This program provides a gradual increase in the amount of instruction in English within the Bilingual classroom from year to year.

Transitional Program of Instruction - The Transitional Program of Instruction is for non-native English speaking students who have not mastered written and/or spoken English and speak a low-incidence language. The program provides support to help students succeed in academic subjects and learn English.

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“To develop proficiency in another language takes time and practice.”

-Linda Egnatz

Additional Resources

What is our purpose?

The purpose of the Beach Park District #3 BPAC is to advocate for excellence in all programs serving English learners. The BPAC strives to provide family support, communication and information to regarding programs that serve English Learners, including Dual Language and English as a Second Language (ESL)

The BPAC supports this purpose by:

• Advocating for all programs serving English learners.

• Supporting the parents of English learners in developing leadership skills for effective participation and advocacy in schools.

• Facilitating and fostering relationships among schools, parents, teachers and District #3 staff.

Why It Exists

School districts that have Bilingual Education (TBE) Programs are required to establish a Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. The committee is comprised of the parents of children in the Dual Language and ESL programs, and other interested community members. Two-thirds of the committee members must be parents of children in a bilingual education program. The committee meets four times a year and participates in the planning, operation, and evaluation of the program. All parents of students in the Dual Language and ESL programs are invited to become members of the Committee.

Meetings are held from "5:30-7:00 pm" - Childcare will be provided

Meeting will be conducted in Spanish with translation to English available

Outside BPAC Supported Events:

SPREAD THE WORD: FAMILY INFORMATION MEETINGS

What is a Dual Language Program?

Dual language education programs integrate English speaking students with native Spanish speaking students. Academic instruction is presented in both languages. Social and academic learning occurs in an environment that values the language and culture of all students and sets high standards to ultimately achieve academic success in both Spanish and English.

Dual Language Program Goals

Students in dual language programs are presented with the social and cognitive benefits of bilingualism. They gain a second language, a broader vocabulary, and multiple views of the world. In order to acquire these benefits, the program sets out to accomplish, over a number of years of participation in the program, the following goals:

• Develop bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism—promoting cross-cultural understanding and skills.

• Develop high levels of proficiency in Spanish and English.

• Help students achieve grade level academic performance in Spanish and English.

• Raise self-esteem for all children.

• Improve cognitive ability.

• Take advantage of the optimal window of learning a second language during the primary years.

What Research Says About Dual Language

Multiple benefits exist for acquiring a second language starting in the primary years. Some of these benefits include:

• Students who acquire advanced levels of proficiency in second languages often experience certain cognitive and linguistic advantages when compared to monolingual students. (Cummins, 1981; Lambert, Genesee, Holobow & Chartrand, 1993)

Deciding if the Dual Language Program Is Right for Your Family

Dual Language Program requires a commitment from the entire family. Students learn both English and Spanish language during the day, while parents are encouraged to support their child’s acquisition of both languages at home. Children who have a love of learning, age-appropriate language development, and support and encouragement from home will find success in the dual language program. If interested, please fill out the Dual Language Parent Interest Survey.

Process before a child is admitted to the program:

1. Parents fill out Dual Language Parent Interest Form

2. Parents attend an Information Session in the Spring

3. Parents complete district registration & verify residency by June 1st

4. On June 5th parents receive acceptance letter

5. Once parents confirm, the students' serving school is changed to Howe and transportation is arranged