Dual language program pondered in Carol Stream Dist. 93

Carol Stream Elementary District 93 is considering bringing a dual language program to its students.

A district committee has recommended to the school board that the district implement a voluntary program, where instruction would be given to students in both English and Spanish.

"It's important to understand that the same academic content, the same content for literacy, the same standards are the same in a dual language program as they are in any other program," Director of English Language Learners and Bilingual Services David Aleman said. "Dual language is not a watered-down program."

The program could start next school year at Roy De Shane Elementary School with kindergartners. It would be an option for English-speaking students and English language learners. De Shane's current bilingual kindergarten classroom would become a dual language classroom, Aleman said.

The dual language program would then be expanded by one more grade level every year. Early on, the majority of instruction would be in Spanish but starting in 3rd grade, kids would get half of their instruction in Spanish and the other half in English.

Aleman said officials anticipate the program requiring relatively little additional district funds because they already have most of the resources, including the staff and instructional materials.

The goal, Aleman said, is for students to become bilingual, biliterate and bicultural. The program also should benefit students socially and academically.

Superintendent Bill Shields said, "The reason I'd like to see it brought to the district is because it's an option, and what we need to do is provide our families with all the options and possibilities to expand children's educational needs."

Some school board members, though, have questions about the dual language program.

"I don't know how you can take away from English to teach Spanish and get the same English result or vice versa over time," Board member Dick Boyer said.

Shields said the board will revisit the topic in January.