Board weighs shifting dual-language program to strengthen small cohorts

Dr. Jimenez, the district's dual-language lead, told the Board of Education that enrollment in several dual-language grade levels has fallen and that some cohorts are too small to sustain robust bilingual instruction. “Our dual language program continues to be strong and valued by our families. However, we are experiencing smaller groups,” she said.

She said Illinois law requires a district to provide bilingual education services when 20 or more English learners who share the same language are enrolled at a school, and that program quality typically benefits from cohorts of about 20 students per grade level. To address small cohorts, she proposed transitioning the dual-language program from Stone to Wesley so cohort sizes would be larger and the program more sustainable, while preserving families’ access to multilingual programming.

Dr. Jimenez described a phased approach: current students at Stone would finish the year at their school, families would be offered the option to enroll at Wesley beginning the next school year, and the transition would move through grade levels over time. She noted Ardmore and Fullerton could also be part of similar adjustments if data indicate the need.

Board members pressed for specifics about timing and transportation. Dr. Jimenez said students who qualify for busing due to the move would be offered transportation; the district will verify registration and screening results over the coming months before finalizing assignments. “We will know more as registration evolves,” she said, adding that the district will aim to communicate a plan before August rather than react at the start of the school year.

The board did not take a formal vote on the proposal at the meeting. Officials said they will revisit the transition after registration and screener data are finalized and after staff complete logistics related to busing and cohort placement.