District 31's English Language Learner (ELL) Department believes all children of limited English proficiency are capable of academic excellence. It is our mission to develop programs that will nurture, support and foster that excellence. We believe cultural differences add to and strengthen the fabric of our school and community. Individualized programs for Winkelman and Field Schools are summarized below.

ELL Entrance/Exit Criteria for Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) and Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) - click here (pdf file)...

Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee

District 31 values parent participation and collaborative efforts to support district programs.  The Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee, comprised of parents of both Field and Winkelman students and district staff, exists to continually review, evaluate, and improve ELL services for the students in District 31.  If you are interested in being a member of this committee, please contact Rana Hong at 847-313-4480.

The focus of the Winkelman English Language Learners (ELL) program is to help each student to speak and understand English along with developing their skill as a reader and writer of English. The goal is to transition a student out of ELL as soon as his/her skill level matches that of their non-ELL peers. Students are placed in the ELL program based on their scores on a language proficiency test called the ACCESS test. Parents, classroom teachers and ELL staff meet together to discuss students’ progress . Students are assessed regularly to ensure proper placement and to better meet individual needs. After consultation, parents may, upon written request, remove their child from the ELL program.

Beginning ELL Instruction
Beginning LEP (Limited English Proficient) students participate in an ELL class which meets from thirty minutes to two hours a day based on individual student needs. Korean students also receive some instruction in their native language. The ELL (English Language Learners) instruction is presented through a pullout program that works to develop Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (B.I.C.S.). The focus is on reading, writing, listening, speaking and comprehension skill development in English.

TESOL standards are the basis of skill development for this program.

Intermediate ELL Instruction

Modified instruction for intermediate LEP (Limited English Proficient) students is also presented and emphasizes skill development in reading, writing, listening, speaking and comprehension skills, within the content area of Language Arts. Additional support for math, science, social studies and health may also be provided. The focus of this program is on the acquisition of higher level thinking skills presented in a modified format.

State of Illinois goals and objectives are the cornerstone of this program.

For More Information
For more information about the ELL Program at Winkelman, contact Mrs. Kate Manos and Mrs. Debbie Jeon at 847-832-2246.

The Field School English Language Learners (ELL) Department offers 2 levels of support for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students. Students are placed in the ELL program based on their scores on language proficiency tests such as the ACCESS and on academic assessments such as the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Tests, teacher recommendations, classroom performance and parent/student request. Students are assessed at least twice a year to ensure proper placement and to better meet individual needs. The goal is to transition a student out of ELL as soon as his/her skill level matches that of their non-ELL peers, with minimal support. After consultation, parents may, upon written request, remove their child from the ELL program.

Level I: Bilingual/Beginning ELL

Beginning LEP students participate in Bilingual/ELL classes which meet one period a day with an additional period of bilingual support in math and science. This program works to develop Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (B.I.C.S.). The focus is on reading, writing, listening, speaking and comprehension skill development in English.

TESOL standards are the basis of skill development for this program.

Research indicates the acquisition time for B.I.C.S. is 1-3 years.

Level II: Sheltered Academic Support

Sheltered ILA is a two period block for LEP students is a two period block emphasizing skill development in reading, writing, listening, speaking and comprehension skills. Sheltered Social Studies is a one period sheltered class for advanced LEP students in the content area of either 7th grade American History or 8th grade World Cultures. The curriculum parallels that of the regular classroom and is taught in English. The focus of this program is on the acquisition of Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency Skills (C.A.L.P.S. ).

State of Illinois goals and objectives are the cornerstone of this program. Research indicates acquisition time for C.A.L.P.S. is 3-7 years.

For More Information

For more information about the Sheltered Academic Instruction Program please contact
Ms. Marilyn Masiarz at (847) 313-4457 or mmasiarz@dist31.k12.il.us

For more Information about the Beginning ELL/ Bilingual Program please contact Mrs. JoEnn Choi at (847) 313-4445
or jchoi@dist31.k12.il.us

For more information about the 6th Grade Transitional Humanities Program please contact Mrs. Christina Dusilo at
(847) 313-4441 or cdusilo@dist31.k12.il.us