North Chicago School District 187

The purpose of Dual Language in District 187 is to develop bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students to empower and prepare them for future global opportunities.  Dual Language will enhance academic achievement and promote increased understanding, connection, and appreciation of cultures.

• Dual Language is a form of bilingual education in which students are taught literacy and content in English and Spanish throughout their K-5 educational experience.

• The three goals of dual language education are:

  • Bilingualism and Biliteracy- Students will be able to listen, speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish.

  • Grade Level Academic Achievement- Students will be able to demonstrate their learning in each subject area in both program languages.

  • Sociocultural Competence- Students will learn to value and respect people who are different than them.

Students receive a percentage of their instruction in English and another percentage in Spanish. This percentage varies based on the grade level:

• English Learners (ELs) makeup 43% of the student population in North Chicago SD 187.

• Dual Language is the only program that has proven to close the academic achievement gap that exists between English learners and native English speakers (Thomas & Collier, 2002).

• There are many benefits to raising a bilingual child:

• The Dual Language program is currently offered in the following schools:

  • Green Bay Early Childhood Center (PreK)

  • Forrestal (K-3)

  • Evelyn Alexander (K-3)

  • A.J. Katzenmaier (4-5)

1. Complete the Dual Language Interest Form.

2. The Multilingual Department will review applications and your home school will notify you of your child's placement.

3. Attend the Kindergarten dual language orientation prior to the start of the school year.

• Who can participate in the Dual Language program?

  • We welcome all incoming Kindergarten families to consider joining our Dual Language program.

• When will my child become fluent in the second language?

  • Research shows that it takes a child 5-7 years to acquire a second language.

• How does being in Dual Language affect my child’s ability to learn and make progress in school?

  • English learners usually score in the average range in their first language on standardized tests. They do not begin to close the gap in English until about middle school.

  • Native English speakers tend to perform at grade level in their first language once literacy is formally taught in that language. They may need 1-2 years to catch up to their peers on standardized tests.

• What kind of materials and curriculum will be used?

  • The Dual Language program follows the same core curriculum as our general education classrooms. A different program is used for initial literacy instruction in order to meet the program's goal of bilingualism and biliteracy.

• How can I support my child at home if I don’t know the language?

  • We encourage all families to continue to use their native language at home to develop their child's literacy skills. Reading skills attained in one language transfer and will benefit your child's second language development.

• What are the district’s long-term plans for the dual language program?

  • The district plans on expanding the Dual Language program each year. Next steps:

    • Dual language programming at NMSA will begin during the 2024-2025 school year.