Overview

Harvard CUSD 50 boasts a Nationally Award Winning Dual Language Immersion program as recognized by The School Superintendents Association. In May of 2022, the AASA National Commission on Student-Centered, Equity-Focused Education identified the Harvard Community Unit District 50’s Dual Language Program as an exemplary system serving as a beacon of light in key areas of holistics redesign in American education. This distinction has been a great sense of pride in our District as it lays the foundation for our future attainment of our District BHAG of 50% of graduates will earn the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. 

What is Dual Language?

District 50’s elementary model is a two-teacher, two-way, 50/50 model. Dual Language programs provides an additive language model in which students can maintain their native language while acquiring a second one. The district pairs an English-speaking and a Spanish-speaking teacher to provide balanced, bilingual instruction. Each dual language classroom has monolingual-English speakers, bilingual speakers, and monolingual-Spanish speakers, with half the instructional time in English and the other in Spanish. Different disciplines are integrated, and cross-curricular instruction is achieved through a two-teacher partnership, with students bridging and transferring knowledge in the other language. The two-teacher model creates authentic learning experiences in which the partnered teachers integrate content and language in every moment in both classrooms while using the same grade level standards and rigor as their peers. 

Much like the integrated approach at the elementary level, we continue to support all students on their language acquisition journey with our bridging program from junior high to high school. As bilingual and dual language students matriculate, students will have the opportunity to continue their language acquisition in dual language science, social studies, ESL classes, bilingual math, bilingual science, bilingual civics, and resource classes. Furthermore, bilingual support for ACT Prep, ESL Summer Extension, and bilingual social emotion prevention and intervention has been added to our services.

What are the goals of Dual Language programming?

Harvard CUSD 50’s Dual Language Program mission is, “To inspire and empower students to become bilingual, biliterate citizens and lifelong learners in our global society”. We are able to fulfill our mission by implementing the nationally recognized constructs of dual language programming throughout our District. The Three Pillars of Dual Language are Bilingualism and Biliteracy, Grade-Level Academic Achievement, and Sociocultural Competence. Students and families alike benefit in a myriad of ways by enrolling in dual language at Harvard CUSD 50:

Academic success

Students can achieve academic success and improve their English and Spanish learning skills. 

Bilingualism

Students can develop fluent bilingualism

Cognitive skills

Dual language programs can significantly boost students' cognitive functioning. 

Cultural competence

Students can build strong sociocultural competence and develop a deeper appreciation of their own culture and the cultures of others. 

Career readiness

Students can be equipped with essential 21st-century skills that prepare them for career and workforce readiness. 

Social awareness

Students can cultivate empathy and social awareness, which are important skills for future global citizens and leaders. 

Self-perception and identity

Students can strengthen their own identity by connecting with another culture while keeping the vital link to their own. 

Brain health

Actively using two languages may have a protective effect against age-related dementia. 

Other benefits of dual language programs include:

Increased confidence, Better performance on standardized tests, Higher attendance rates, Improved listening and speaking skills, and Positive multicultural attitudes and behaviors. 

What is the history of Harvard CUSD 50’s  Dual Language program?

In 2007, Harvard Community Unit School District 50 embarked on a journey that would result in one of the most impactful educational opportunities for the students and families of Harvard, Illinois. With 56 students enrolled, the district’s first Dual Language cohort began with two first-grade classrooms. District 50 developed the new dual language immersion program in response to a need to support the growing English Learner (EL) population while also serving English-speaking families who value the benefits of being bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. Despite its humble beginnings, the program has blossomed into a shared district and community vision.