RPS 205 launches one‑way dual language AROI with targets to reach state growth and exit-rate benchmarks

Rockford Public Schools’ bilingual services leaders presented the district’s Academic Return on Investment (AROI) study for a one‑way dual language (Spanish‑English) elementary program and set targets to raise English proficiency and exit rates.

Christina Perry, director of continuous improvement and accountability, and Joanna Bonesio Jordan, executive director for bilingual services, said the one‑way dual language program aims to promote bilingualism and biliteracy rather than replace students’ native language. The AROI baseline showed year‑over‑year English proficiency growth averaging 72%—above the state average of 65%—and an exit rate from English learner status at 4% versus a state average of 7%.

The team described data sources used for the study: ACCESS (federal English proficiency assessment, scaled 1–6 with a 4.8 composite exit standard) and STAR assessments administered in Spanish, plus year‑over‑year growth measures. The district set two primary targets for the AROI: reaching exemplary growth at 75% and increasing exit rates toward the state average of 7%.

Staff said teacher implementation and professional development are key levers; they are collecting classroom‑level implementation data and will set further goals after reviewing those measures. The bilingual team said they will return to the board with additional findings in May.

What happens next: the district will continue collecting implementation observations, provide targeted teacher support, and report progress to the board as part of the AROI timeline.