What Does This Mean for My Child?

 

If a student is eligible, parents or legal guardians will be notified, in writing, no later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year. If your child transfers into Onahan after the start of the school year you will be notified within 14 days of your child's enrollment.

 

Students in the TPI or the TBE program will be placed in a general education classroom. Every ESL student is placed with a teacher certified to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) that will provide instructional support, based on your child’s level of English proficiency.

 

All teachers work with students to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English. Teachers use both the English Language Development (ELD) Standards as well as the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics to guide their instruction.

 

As a parent, you have the right to waive EL support by making a request in writing and signing the appropriate form. We ask that you request a meeting with your child’s teacher and the bilingual program coordinator to discuss any concerns or questions.

 

Students eligible for EL support (even if parents have waived EL support), are required to take the annual ACCESS 2.0 test given in January, until they attain the exit criteria set by the state of Illinois. The state deems a student proficient in English when they reach at minimum, an overall composite score of 4.8. Click here​​​​​​​ to view a letter from the Illinois State Board of Education.