Bilingüe Bidireccional Programa en Español
The CCSD 46 Two-Way Dual Language Program promotes bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism by enrolling a balanced number of students from both English and Spanish language backgrounds.
Families interested in enrolling their incoming kindergartener are encouraged to review the following key components of the selection process to be considered for acceptance into the program.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
“Our vision is to support all dual language students to become bilingual, biliterate, bicultural, and to obtain the academic competency necessary to meet the demands of career and college
readiness in two languages.”
CCSD 46 is implementing a Spanish/English Dual Language program designed to serve a balanced student population. Approximately 50 percent of students will come from homes where Spanish is the primary language, while the remaining 50 percent will have little to no prior experience with Spanish. All participating students will receive instruction in both Spanish and English, with 50 percent of the core content taught in Spanish and 50 percent taught in English.
The Dual Language Program will be housed at Avon Center School and Prairieview School. In each set of two classrooms, one classroom will be led by a Spanish-speaking teacher and the other by an English-speaking teacher to ensure balanced language exposure and instruction.
GRADE LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION
- The program will begin in Kindergarten during the 26-27 school year
- 1st grade 27-28 school year, and continue through 5th grade, with a gradual roll-up
- Once students enter 6th grade, students will be enrolled in English Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts, and either Social Studies or Science taught in Spanish. Further decisions will be made as the program is rolled up
PROGRAM GOALS
Our goal is to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and bicultural competence for all students while maintaining high academic achievement. Students will learn academic content in both English and Spanish, preparing them to succeed in a multilingual world.
BILITERACY MODEL
How does the biliteracy model work?
The dual language program will be rolled up one grade level each year, allowing students to continue in the program through 8th grade.
- The model will be split equally (50-50) between English and Spanish. Students will receive instruction for Literacy and Math in both English and Spanish by two teachers.
- ‘Two-Teacher’ refers to the number of teachers that are responsible for instruction. Your child will have one English teacher and one Spanish teacher.
STUDENT SELECTION PROCESS
Spanish-Speaking English Learner Students (Approximately 50% of the class):
Federal and State Law entitles students eligible for language support services (English Learners) with a home language of Spanish to be automatically enrolled into two-way dual language until capacity is reached. All Spanish-speaking English Learner families are asked to learn about the two-way dual language program components by attending a Two-Way Dual Language Information session, or to discuss with the District Administration by phone or video conference.
- Opt-Out: If a family with the home language of Spanish would like to opt out of the program, they should contact the Director of Multilingual Services. Students will attend their homeschool for the remaining years in CCSD 46.
Non-Spanish Speakers (Approximately 50% of the class):
All non-Spanish speakers will be entered into a lottery. There will NOT be a lottery for non-Spanish speaking students if there are sufficient spots available at the time of the registration deadline. If this is the case, students will be registered in the two-way dual language program on a first-come basis.
Requirements for Families of Non-Spanish Speaking Students
To be considered for the program, families of non-Spanish speaking students must meet both of the following requirements:
- Attend a Two-Way Dual Language Information Session: Families must attend an informational session, either in-person or virtually, taking place on the dates indicated below. Attendance will be recorded.
- Complete District Registration and select ‘Interest in two-way dual language.’ Families must complete District registration and select ‘Interest in two-way dual language’ in the online registration application for the 2026-27 school year by the deadline date indicated below.
Notification and Acceptance
- Notification: All families will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance (waitlist) in the two-way dual language program via the email they used to complete District registration.
- Two-Way Dual Language Consent Form: Selected students’ families must complete and submit the two-way dual language consent form to CCSD 46 by the deadline indicated below. The consent form will be attached as a Google Survey in the notification email.
- Waitlist Rule: Failure to complete the consent form by the deadline will result in the student being moved to the waitlist and their spot given to the next candidate.
Key Dates Timeline
December 18, 2025
Two-Way Dual Language Information Session
Hosted by MPAC
6:00 PM – Prairieview School
January 20, 2026
District Online Registration Opens
February 17, 2026
Two-Way Dual Language Information VIRTUAL
Session: Google Meet Link
6:00 PM
February 24, 2026
Two-Way Dual Language Information Session
6:00 PM – Avon Center School
March 3, 2026
Two-Way Dual Language Information Session
6:00 PM – Prairieview School
March 10, 2026
Two-Way Dual Language Information Session
6:00 PM – Park Campus
April 10, 2026
Deadline for Online Registration
April 15, 2026
Lottery Drawing
TBD
Notification to families
TBD
Deadline to submit Two-Way Dual Language Consent Form
TBD
Final Acceptance Confirmation
FAMILY DECISION AND COMMITMENT
Before applying for the student selection process, we encourage you to reflect on whether this program aligns with your family’s values and long-term goals. Please consider the following questions:
- Cultural Values: Does your family value and appreciate diverse cultures?
- Language Support: Are you prepared to support and encourage your child as they learn and practice a second language?
- School Engagement: Is your family willing to actively participate in school activities and projects?
- Long-Term Commitment: Are you ready to commit to this program? We ask families to remain enrolled from Kindergarten through 8th grade to ensure student success, maintain a consistent learning environment, and preserve the language balance essential to the program.
- Student Readiness: Does your child show—or have the potential to develop—the patience and curiosity necessary to learn a second language?
Dual Language FAQs
What supports are in place for my child to learn a second language?
Dual language students will receive the same instructional support as non-dual language students that are developmentally appropriate for their language proficiency level. While second language learning takes time, staff will monitor growth in both languages and determine if additional support is needed.
Are Dual Language standards the same as non-Dual Language standards?
Yes. Students in dual language programming and in monolingual programming will work toward mastery of the same core academic and social emotional standards with the exception of additional Spanish Language Arts Standards unique to the Spanish language.
How are IEPs and 504s accommodated?
Students who have an IEP and/or a 504 Plan will receive integrated services from the Student Services Department and the Multilingual Department.
What is the staff-to-student ratio?
Staff-to-student ratio will follow the same guidelines as all classrooms. For the 2026-27 school year, the kindergarten classroom is 1:23 students. For the 2027-28 school year, the kindergarten classroom will be 1:22.
Will the cohort remain the same in all the grades?
Yes. Kindergarten is the only year for enrollment in dual language. Any new students will only be admitted into the program if they are coming from a previous dual language program and/or are eligible for language services.
What is the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy?
The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition of a high school senior who demonstrates proficiency in English and an additional language. Eligible students may earn up to 12 university credits at participating Illinois colleges. Learn more at https://www.isbe.net/sealofbiliteracy
If I am unsure about dual language now, can I wait until first grade?
No. Admittance to dual language is during the kindergarten year. Transfer students from a previous dual language program and/or are eligible for language services will be admitted at any time into the program.
Will the day be translated so my child can understand?
No. Instruction in dual language programming is highly scaffolded to support early language learning, such as visuals, repetition, total physical response, common themes, cognates, and paired literacy.
Do I, as a parent/guardian, need to speak a second language?
No. Parents and guardians do not need to speak both languages of study, but rather model a mindset of curiosity, patience, and flexibility. Prepare yourself for moments when your child may experience frustration and think about how you can support their growth mindset on language acquisition.
How will the program support student achievement?
Research shows that students in dual language programs often perform as well as—or better than—their monolingual peers in reading and math by upper elementary grades. Learning in two languages strengthens cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and cultural awareness, all of which contribute to long-term academic success.
Why should I enroll my child in the Dual Language program?
Children who learn in two languages gain academic, cognitive, and social advantages. They become better problem-solvers, develop stronger attention control, and learn to appreciate multiple cultures. Bilingualism is also linked to higher future career opportunities.
Will my child fall behind if they’re learning two languages?
No. While early literacy and vocabulary may develop at different rates in each language, research shows that by grades 4–5, dual language students meet or exceed peers in English-only programs academically.
What if I don’t speak the partner language at home? How can I help my child?
You can still play a powerful role! Read daily in your strongest language, talk about school experiences, and show excitement for your child’s bilingual journey. Ask teachers for bilingual books, music, or language-learning resources for home.
Will my child’s home language skills suffer?
No. Research shows that learning in two languages actually strengthens language development in both. Skills acquired in one language transfer to the other, so a strong foundation in a student's first language allows them to acquire another language more efficiently.
How are children grouped in the classroom?
Dual Language classrooms include both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers. This intentional balance allows peer language modeling and promotes natural interaction in both languages.
How long should my child stay in the program?
Parents and students are recommended to commit to staying in the program through 8th grade to ensure long-term success.
How will communication work between home and school?
All communication—newsletters, progress reports, and events—will be bilingual. Families will receive information through texts, emails, and printed notices in their preferred language via ParentSquare.
How will the school celebrate bilingualism and biculturalism?
Throughout the year, we will host inclusive family nights, diverse cultural celebrations, and student showcases that honor the backgrounds of all our learners. We are committed to recognizing every student’s language development and the unique cultural contributions they bring to our school.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Amber Bowgren
Director of Multilingual Services
email: [email protected] | 847-543-5332 ext. 5332
Armando Navarro
Administrative Assistant – Multilingual Services
email: [email protected]
Barbara Zarras
Principal, Avon Center School
email: [email protected]
Vince Murray
Principal, Prairieview School
email: [email protected]