Westmont High to add Spanish 6 Honors; district cites high biliteracy rates among graduates

The CUSD 201 Board approved a new Spanish 6 Honors course for Westmont High School at its May 19 meeting after a presentation from World Language Department coordinator Vicki Gomez and assistant principal Mary Cassier.

Gomez told trustees the senior literature course was developed from an adapted textbook that aligns to AP Spanish Literature texts; it is intended for students entering their senior year after taking advanced courses (Spanish 3/3 Honors through AP-level offerings). She described pathways for students to earn college credit through dual enrollment and to qualify for the state "seal" or a "commendation" of biliteracy.

Mary Cassier explained the statewide context for the biliteracy recognitions: roughly 12% of Illinois students receive the seal or commendation, while Westmont High School expects about 44% of this year's graduating seniors to earn one of those distinctions across languages including Spanish, French, Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian.

"These students are not just proficient in another language — they are proficient in English and another language in all modes of communication," Gomez said, explaining how the course focuses on interpretive, interpersonal and presentational skills and prepares students for AP exams and seal/commendation requirements.

Board members approved the course on a roll-call vote; the administration said the request was placed on the same night's agenda because schedule and registration deadlines require an earlier decision.

The department also described broader language successes: increased placements into advanced levels for incoming freshmen and a Spanish 5 honors course that provides six college credits through COOD dual enrollment. Administrators said materials and links to course descriptions will be posted for review.

The board took action to add the course; students will be able to enroll in Spanish 6 Honors for the 2026–27 school year.