Woodridge School District 68 English Learner students will receive a free, appropriate public education that is focused on their English language proficiency growth, academics, functional, and social-emotional growth.

We believe that in order to produce world-class learners it is essential to provide a program of instruction based upon the most effective practices that are grounded in language acquisition research. Therefore we are committed to:

• Provide instruction that builds on students’ cognitive abilities and prior education.
• Provide instruction for EL & Bilingual students in the most appropriate program according to needs, assessment, and ISBE regulations.
• Emphasize English language development and content area learning at every grade level.
• Use native language instruction, as available, to access content area curriculum while simultaneously providing English language instruction.
• Provide ongoing valid assessment of students that reflects the stages of English language acquisition and cultural background.
• Evaluate data and make program adjustments to continually improve student learning.
• Develop and maintain services in the areas of special needs, gifted, and at-risk students.
• Support and expand early childhood and family literacy programs.
• Promote understanding of and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity by students, parents, staff, and community.
• Build teacher capacity through a comprehensive staff development plan which enhances teacher knowledge in best practice instruction of ELs.