A dual language program prepares students for success in an increasingly connected world. As globalization continues to shape business, communication, and technology, students who are proficient in more than one language have a clear advantage. Research by Genesee (2008) highlights how multilingualism can open doors to greater economic and social opportunities in today’s global society.

Learning in two languages also supports strong cognitive development. Studies by King and Mackey (2007) show that students who develop a second language demonstrate increased creativity, stronger problem-solving skills, and a deeper awareness of how language works. These benefits extend across academic subjects and support overall learning.

Dual language programs also promote cultural understanding and empathy. By engaging with another language and culture daily, students build the skills needed to communicate and collaborate in diverse environments.

In addition, research by Howard, Sugarman, Perdomo, and Adger (2005) indicates that students enrolled in dual language programs are often more engaged in school, more likely to stay on track academically, and more likely to pursue higher education.

In accordance with Addison School District 4’s Dual Language Program Enrollment Guidelines and Illinois School Code, the district is committed to providing access to Dual Language programming for all interested families while fulfilling required bilingual services.

Dual Language programming is designed to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and sociocultural competence through balanced and sustainable cohorts. The district monitors enrollment trends, including cohort size, to ensure alignment with program design.

When cohort sizes fall below levels necessary to sustain effective implementation, the district may adjust program location or structure to maintain program quality and long-term viability. Families will be notified of any changes and supported through transitions.

All incoming Kindergarten families interested in enrolling their child in the Two-Way Dual Language Program must complete an interest form as part of the registration process.  The district will notify families in late July/early August if their child has been admitted into the program or added to the waitlist.    

The Two-Way Dual Language Program interest form will be a required document to be completed as part of kindergarten registration. Families will indicate if they are interested or not in the program for their child. 

Dual language programs are designed for students from a variety of language backgrounds, including those who speak English and those who speak a language other than English at home.

Enrollment for kindergarten students in the dual language program will be considered in the following order:

1. Students eligible for English Learner (EL) services 
2. Returning students who attended Addison Early Learning Center (AELC) (ELs and non-ELs)
3. Newly enrolled students who did not qualify for EL services
4. Newly enrolled students who express interest in the program as a choice and were not required to take the English Language proficiency screener. 

To accommodate newly enrolled English Learner (EL) eligible students who may join after the beginning of the school year, the district will monitor enrollment and may limit availability for students who choose placement in the dual language program. In the event of a section reaching its maximum capacity in the home school, families may be provided with the option of a dual language placement in another ASD4 school.  In this situation, families will be responsible for transportation and the district will offer placement based on proximity to the home school.

No! Research consistently shows that learning in two languages improves academic growth. However, it is best to avoid moving children in and out of the program. Students gain maximum benefits by staying in DL programming through 6th grade and continuing into middle school (Howard et al., 2018). For more information on this topic, see Bilingual Kids Do Not Get Confused Speaking Two Languages.

Research indicates second language acquisition may take up to 5-7 years, therefore commitment to the dual language program from K-8th grade is critical to ensure successful outcomes for the student.

Families of students enrolled in the dual language program must attend an orientation meeting and complete a commitment form. 

In addition, there are several ways you can support your child’s language development at home:

READ with your child every day in your family’s home language.
Reading to and with your child is the single most important predictor of reading success. Learning to read in a second language is easier when your child has a strong foundation in their home language.

SPEAK with your child regularly.
Talk with your child in any language, about any topic, in everyday settings. Conversing with your child helps build vocabulary, models proper language use, and strengthens speaking and listening skills.

SEEK OPPORTUNITIES for your child to learn the second language:

• Attend bilingual storytimes at the library.
• Check out bilingual books to read together.
• Participate in community events that involve the second language.
• Encourage your child to notice and discuss similarities and differences between the two languages.

UNDERSTAND, SUPPORT, AND APPRECIATE that developing bilingual skills takes time. Language learning aligns with brain development, and the benefits of becoming bilingual are limitless—academically, socially, and cognitively.

Start with your building principal and if you have further questions contact the Multilingual Department.