Emergent Bilingual Program

Every family that registers in CUSD 201 must complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). An EB staff member will screen students when guardians name another language or in addition to English.

Home Language Survey (HLS) Process

The HLS is completed by parents/guardians of all students entering CUSD 201.

The survey asks the following questions:

  • Is a language other than English spoken in your home?
  • Does your child speak a language other than English?
If the answer is "Yes" to either question, the student is a potenial English Learner (EL). Staff will conduct the ISBE prescribed screener for English language proficiency and notfy parents/guardians of the results within 30 days. 

If the answer to both questions is "No", the student is not a potential English Learner (EL).

No screening for English language proficiency is required. 

 

English Language Screening

Language screening will determine if the student is eligible for participation in the district's EB program. The screening is a test that measures the child's academic English skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. A member of the EB program will send parents/guardians a written notification and recommendation for program placement. The test results help teachers plan teaching and learning. Parents/guardians can advocate for their children by being informed about progress and talk to their teachers about their child's language support and academic progress. 

Parents can refuse language support services by providing the district with a signed statement that they do not wish their child to participate in the EB program. Once the letter is received, the student is immediately withdrawn from the program. However, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requires that all students, regardless of their participation in the program take the ACCESS test annually until the exit criterial is met.