English Language Learners
By Heidi Rudy
B-PAC (Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee):
Our B-PAC serves the parents of English Language Learners by offering them an opportunity to learn more about and participate in their children's education. For the 2020-2021 school year until further notice, meetings will be held remotely.
- Tuesday, September 29th - 5 PM- Welcome to new families, parent training regarding rules for English Learners, and answers about our website
- Thursday, November 5th - 5 PM- Testing at 113A- ACCESS, MAP, IAR
- Wednesday, March 3rd- 5:30- Home Pizza and Family Game night
- Thursday, May 13th - 5 PM - parent participation in the Grant application process for Title III funds
ALL are welcome to attend!
How do students qualify for the ELL/Bilingual Programs?
Upon completion of a Home Language Survey that indicates another language is spoken in the home or that the child speaks another language, a certified teacher will assess the academic English skills of the child prescribed assessment tools. Students are assessed on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. If the student qualifies for the program, the family will be notified and the child will be placed in an appropriate program.
Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) Description
Students who are learning English typically need support in the areas of reading, vocabulary development, writing, and comprehension. The teachers of English Language Learners provide direct instruction in these areas in small groups both inside and outside the general education classrooms. The goals of this program include meeting the academic achievement standards for grade promotion and developing proficiency in English. Teachers offer content-based instruction at the students’ levels and augment the curricula students receive in their grade level classrooms.
Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) Description
The Transitional Bilingual Education program is for non-native English speaking students who need support to succeed in academic subjects and learn written and spoken English. TBE is offered at schools that educate at least 20 students of one language. Teachers are fluent in English and the students’ native language and provide increasing opportunities for the students to learn English while supporting comprehension in the native language. At Lemont-Bromberek CSD 113A, Polish is the only TBE program offered. Currently, TBE for Polish ELLs is offered at Oakwood and River Valley Schools.
TBE/TPI Programs
Both programs for English Language Learners teach students using research-based principles of language instruction for English language learners.
Parents have the right to refuse any or all elements of the program for their son/daughter or request that the student is instructed only in English as a part of the English as a Second Language program. This requires that the parent submit their wishes, in writing, to the teacher or school administration. We would be happy to talk with you about this decision at any time.
Exit procedures for all English Language Learners
Students remain in the Transitional Bilingual Education program until they reach proficiency in academic English based on the ACCESS test, which is offered annually in January/February. Once proficiency is reached, students are monitored for continued success in their academics.
Special Education Services for English Language Learners
For English Language Learners with special needs, decisions about language instruction by ELL teachers are made by the IEP team, which includes the parent and the teacher of English Language Learners. All decisions are designed to meet the objectives of the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Resources for parents of English Learners on the ISBE website
A Guide to your Children's School: A Parent Handbook can be found in a variety of languages at this site under "communication with families"; it provides an introduction to US schools.
For Spanish-speaking families- reading information
Un sitio bilingüe para familias y maestros para ayudar a los niños a leer
Esta sección bilingüe ha sido diseñada pensando en ustedes, con el fin de brindarles información útil para ayudar a sus hijos a convertirse en buenos lectores y en estudiantes de éxito.
Parent and teacher resources for English Learners
ESL Activities and Games
Quizzes, tests, and puzzles for English Learners
Flash cards, lesson plans, worksheets, and songs
Beginner Reading
Questions may be directed to one of our teachers of English Language Learners or to Heidi Rudy, Director of Student Services, by email or 630-257-2286 ext. 4611.