COD, West Chicago District 33 Team Up through New Dual-Language Program

To better serve students and their families, West Chicago District 33 educators, administrators and staff members are working together with College of DuPage to complete Spanish courses in a unique dual-language program offered by COD onsite at West Chicago's Leman Junior High School.

Providing a flexible mix of both classroom and online coursework, the program is tailored for the busy schedules of educational professionals, said Sandra Martins, College of DuPage Associate Dean for Humanities/Speech Communication.

"When we spoke with (District 33 leaders), we agreed there was a need to create accessible opportunities for teachers and staff to increase their Spanish language skills to enhance communication with the district's students and their families," Martins said. "In addition, this program enhances the cultural appreciation for diversity that is already present in District 33."

Currently, 66.4 percent of the district's student population are from Hispanic origins. There is a great benefit of this program for both students and their families, as well as district employees, Martins said.

"Obviously, enhanced communication will result in increased understanding between District 33 faculty, administrators and employees and the students and families they serve," Martins said. "Likewise, students whose first language is English will benefit from this program as they witness a growing culture of role models who value diverse cultures and languages, hopefully inspiring others to learn more than one language."

Currently, COD is offering the cohort Spanish 1101 and Spanish instructor Melissa Jiménez Biles said the program is off to a successful start, with nearly two dozen teachers, administrators and support staff enrolled in the initial classes. After launching in January, program participants recently practiced their Spanish skills, partnering with the West Chicago Library on a craft and story hour for local families. Click here to view photos from the event.

This fall, the College hopes to continue the District 33 dual-language collaboration by offering both Spanish 1101 and 1102, Martins said.

"We would like to see this initiative grow at District 33 and hope this program serves as an inspiring example for all involved," Martins said. "We also hope to partner with other institutions to meet their needs by enriching teaching and learning for educators and students alike."

For more information about the West Chicago Dual Language program, contact Sandra Martins at (630) 942-2174 or martinss14@cod.edu.

College of DuPage is an accredited community college that serves more than 29,000 students each term. The College, which grants nine associate degrees and more than 170 certificates in 100 areas of study, is the second largest provider of public undergraduate education in Illinois.