Rep. Rashid, Community Groups & School Districts Welcome Blueprint to Expand Dual Language Education

BERWYN, IL – State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, the Latino Policy Forum, and public school districts today welcomed the release of a new report that underscores the growing importance of dual language (DL) education in Illinois public schools.

The report, mandated by Public Act 103-0362—legislation passed by Rashid last year—explores the benefits of dual language programs and offers a series of recommendations for expanding and improving these programs statewide.

“There is a good reason dual language programs —curriculums that nurture both a native language and English— are so popular: They have a direct positive impact on the academic outcomes of all students,” said Vice President of Education at the Latino Policy Forum, Dr. Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro. “English Learners present us with an incredible opportunity to enhance and reinforce lessons across all subjects, plus, we develop professionals that are bilingual and biliterate and therefore positioned for success in our rapidly diversifying global economy. The report sets Illinois ahead of the curve by providing districts with the necessary research-based guidance to build such programs.”

Dual language education programs foster biliteracy, cognitive development, and academic achievement in the classroom and bear positive long-lasting impacts. In a state as diverse as Illinois, these programs offer an opportunity for students to become proficient in two languages and also enhance their overall academic performance. Given its significance in today’s economy, expanding dual language education aligns with both educational trends and the growing need for multilingualism in the workplace.

“I’m excited about the progress we’ve made,” said Rashid. ” Growing up in a multilingual household, I know firsthand how valuable bilingualism is. This report sets the stage for expanding dual language programs, which will help students excel academically and enhance cultural preservation. By working with educators, parents, and community leaders, we can ensure that our students are prepared for every opportunity ahead.”

“District wide dual language in East Aurora School District 131 not only foster bilingualism and biliteracy but also build cultural awareness and academic confidence in student”, said Rita Guzman, Executive Director for Language Acquisition and Early Learning for East Aurora. “By learning in both English and their native language, students gain a stronger foundation for academic success and are empowered to contribute to their community and to a multilingual world.”

“The positive impact our dual language program has had on our community and students is undeniable. “Not only have we seen positive academic outcomes, but It has also strengthened our appreciation and understanding of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds making our community stronger,” said Dr. Keely Krueger, Assistant Superintendent for Woodstock Community Unit District 200. Most notably, over the 20 years of dual language in Woodstock Community Unit School District 200, the district’s Hispanic graduation rate increase from 64% in 2004 to 96% in 2024. Last year, those students outpaced the state’s graduation rate by nearly 11 percent, which we credit to our dual language program and to our Hispanic families’ commitment to education”.

“Dual language education is an investment in our students and our state’s future,” said Illinois State Rep. Lilian Jimenez (D-Chicago). “As the mother of a 6-year-old son, making sure dual language programs are accessible to him and to all students is incredibly important to me. In a diverse state like Illinois, these programs not only foster academic excellence but also empower students to embrace their cultural heritage while gaining the critical bilingual skills needed in today’s global economy. I applaud the efforts of Representative Rashid and the Latino Policy Forum in advancing this important work and look forward to collaborating on expanding these opportunities for all students.”

The report outlines several key recommendations for enhancing dual language education in Illinois, including updating state rules to define dual language programs and set clear teaching standards, developing guidelines for consistency across districts, and integrating dual language programs into broader student support systems to ensure equitable access and high-quality instruction.

The full report is available for download on the Illinois State Board of Education website at www.isbe.net.