McHenry D15 Pathway to Biliteracy

McHenry D15 Pathway to Biliteracy

  • Overview

    McHenry D15 proudly recognizes and celebrates Dual Language students through the Pathway to Biliteracy. This program is designed to support students in developing proficiency in both Spanish and English, ultimately preparing them to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy in Illinois.

    Students in McHenry D15 have the opportunity to participate in the Pathway to Biliteracy through the One-Way Dual Language Program. The district acknowledges students at key benchmarks throughout their academic journey: Kindergarten, 5th grade, 8th grade, and high school graduation.

    How the Path Works:

    • Students demonstrate growth in both Spanish and English each year.

    • The program provides students with the foundational skills needed to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Commitment to continuing language development after leaving the DL program and/or McHenry D15 is essential. 

    • Students are recognized at milestone benchmarks to celebrate their progress toward biliteracy.

    Benefits of Biliteracy:

    1. Academic Advantages – Being bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural enhances academic performance across multiple subjects.

    2. Cultural Connections – Proficiency in multiple languages enables students to build meaningful connections with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

    3. Expanded Worldview – Biliteracy builds cross-cultural understanding and fosters global perspectives.

    Pathways to Biliteracy:

    • Building on Prior Knowledge – Students leverage what they know in one language to support learning in the other.

    • Community Support – Identifying community-based organizations, home, and other external supports to enhance language development.

    • High School Continuation – Collaborating with McHenry D156 to ensure students continue on their Pathway to Biliteracy.

    • Progress Monitoring – Tracking students’ language proficiency and growth throughout their educational journey.

    Recognition Benchmarks:

    1. End of Kindergarten Benchmark

    • Recognition of early BILINGUAL development

    • Demonstration of basic proficiency in Spanish and English through oral language skills

    Award: Bilingual book written by local author with note written by Kindergarten teacher

    2. End of 5th Grade Benchmark

    • Evidence of increasing proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in both languages

    • Recognition of BILITERATE achievement in elementary school

    Award: MLS t-shirt received at 5th Grade DL Celebration

    3. End of 8th Grade Benchmark

    • Students demonstrate intermediate proficiency in both Spanish and English

    • Formal recognition of BICULTURAL progress before entering high school

    Award: Pin to wear at 8th grade promotion ceremony

    4. State Seal of Biliteracy (High School)

    • Students meet state criteria to obtain the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy

    • Recognition of full biliteracy proficiency upon high school completion

    Award: DL Graduation Cord received at D15 BOE meeting

     

    Conclusion:

    McHenry D15 is committed to fostering bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism as an asset for students. By providing a structured Pathway to Biliteracy, students are empowered to grow in their language skills, develop cross-cultural connections, and prepare for a future enriched by multilingual proficiency.

    The Pathway to Biliteracy is a celebration of language, diversity, and academic excellence, culminating in the attainment of the State Seal of Biliteracy.

     

     

  • Pathway to Biliteracy Overview