Dual Language Education (DLE)

Dual Language Education fulfills the IL state bilingual education requirement for English learners. Through instruction in both English and a partner language, students develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement while building the cross-cultural competence needed to thrive in a global society.

CPS dual language programs aim to foster inclusive and equitable learning environments where students are supported to acquire English, while also maintaining and continuing to develop their home language. By learning in two languages every day, students build deep content knowledge and strong literacy skills that transfer across languages and set them up for long-term academic and personal success. In addition, they develop strong meta-linguistic and cross-cultural awareness that prepare them to engage meaningfully in a diverse and interconnected world.

CPS offers two program models:

• One-Way Dual Language: Designed for students who share the same language background—primarily English Learners and heritage language learners. Instruction is delivered in both languages, strengthening students' academic English and partner language while affirming their identity, culture, and community.
• Two-Way Dual Language: These programs bring together English Learners and non-English learners to learn from and with each other. Instruction is delivered in both languages, strengthening students' academic English and partner language, while affirming their identity, culture, and community.

Regardless of the model, students in CPS Dual Language Education programs are engaged in rigorous instruction across all content areas in both English and partner language. The goal of these programs is to ensure that every student achieves at or above grade-level competencies in both languages, and graduates high school with the State Seal of Biliteracy, ready for college, career, and civic life in two languages.

CPS Dual Language Education Program Objectives

• Promote high academic performance in both languages
• Develop fluency and literacy in English and the partner language
• Promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and sociocultural competence
• Nurture empathy, creativity, and cognitive flexibility
• Build pride in cultural identity and respect for diverse perspectives

Program Benefits for Students in DLE Programs

• Strong literacy and communication skills in two languages
• Ability to collaborate across cultures with a global perspective
• Strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities
• Access to greater academic and career opportunities

DLE Community

The DLE Department is part of the Office of Multilingual–Multicultural Education (OMME). The DLE Team at CPS is led by DLE Manager, Dr. Massiel Zaragoza, and two DLE Specialists: Dr. Sarah Cohen, and Almudena Coloma Luque.

• DLE Team - The Dual Language Education team at Chicago Public Schools partners with schools, educators, and communities to design, implement, and sustain high-quality dual language programs. The team provides professional learning, coaching, guidance, and develops resources that support high quality instruction in both English and the partner language. The DLE team also supports the expansion of dual language programs in the city, supporting schools interested in adopting the program with the application process and ensuring program readiness. The team also supports established programs to ensure EL services are provided and that programmatic structures follow the CAL guiding prínciples. This work is grounded in the importance of affirming students’ linguistic and cultural assets, expanding opportunities for biliteracy, and fostering cross-cultural understanding across the district.
• Bilingual Coordinators - At the school level, Dual Language Coordinators and English Learner Program Teachers oversee curriculum alignment, support the implementation of instructional strategies, guide program expansion in their schools, and ensure accountability with federal, state, and district bilingual education policies and mandates. Coordinators are also responsible for developing strong partnerships with parents and engaging the community to support bilingual students and strengthen bilingual and dual language programming at their schools.
• Administrative Leaders - (e.g., Principals, Assistant Principals) are the instructional leaders who champion the DLE mission and implement policies, and promote community engagement at their schools.

Locate Dual Language Schools

• Google Map of CPS Dual Language Schools

Learn More

To learn more about DLE Programs, contact the Office of Multilingual - Multicultural Education.