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U-46 to Host Third Annual Dual Language Parent Academy
Nov. 1, 2018
ELGIN - The U-46 English Language Learners (ELL) Department will host the third annual Dual Language Academy for parents of preschoolers to ninth graders on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Elgin High School. In partnership with the Gail Borden Public Library, the event aims to inform and empower the District’s Dual Language community to better prepare students for bilingualism and biliteracy.
“As the second largest ELL program in the state of Illinois, we are proud to serve a community of learners that represents more than 100 languages,” said U-46 Director of English Language Learners Annette Acevedo. “Our programming mirrors the linguistic and cultural diversity of our learning community, and it honors and validates the students’ home language.”
The event will begin with keynote speaker Dr. Lorena Mancilla, a parent engagement consultant. Dual Language parents will have the opportunity to participate in a DL Parent panel and to choose from multiple breakout sessions, including learning activities for the home, strategies to support students’ language development and academics, and many more.
Dual Language students in seventh through ninth grade are invited to attend their first DL Student Leadership Institute with CEO Tony Sanders and his CEO Student Advisory Council. The panel will answer questions and discuss leadership with secondary students enrolled in dual language programming.
Research shows that the ability to speak, read, understand, and write in world languages is critical to success in business, research, and international relations in the 21st century. In 2017, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences reported the study of a second language has been linked to improved learning in other subjects, enhanced cognitive ability, and the development of empathy and interpretive skills.
School District U-46 offers Dual Language classes in 42 schools, and nearly 11,000 students are on their way to becoming bilingual and biliterate through the PreK-9th grade Dual Language program. The District plans to continue expanding its Dual Language programming at the high school level, aiming to provide Dual Language opportunities for students PreK-12th grade by the 2021-22 school year.
Breakout sessions will be offered in both English and Spanish. Food and entertainment will be provided, no registration required.