• Middle School Multilingual Learners Program

    The middle school ML Program offers English language learners a series of courses to assist them in attaining English language proficiency and in meeting state learning standards.

    English as a Second Language (ESL)

    • The middle school ESL curriculum is tied to Illinois Learning Standards and Illinois English Language Development Standards.
    • ESL English classes provide students with the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary to attain English language proficiency and meet state learning standards.
    • ESL is taught using current instructional strategies that emphasize active, discovery-oriented, and cognitively complex learning.
    • ESL English is offered as a Core class.
    • Newcomers to the country receive a double period of ESL English.

    Bilingual Education (not offered at every school) 

    In addition to ESL instruction, in buildings where there is a TBE Program:

    • Students receive native literacy instruction and/or native language support.
    • Bilingual Reading classes are designed to develop the native language literacy skills of English language learners whose first language is Spanish. The focus of this class is on reading, writing, and grammar skills. Placement in Spanish for Spanish Speakers is based upon students' Spanish language proficiency.
    • Bilingual Spanish for Spanish Speakers is offered as an Encore World Language Class.

    Part-Time Services

    Students who have a 3.5 (6th through 8th grades) or above literacy composite proficiency level on the WIDA Screener or the ACCESS for ELLs, with proof of English Language Proficiency will receive part-time bilingual services, which may include bilingual instruction or bilingual support in their native language.