About School of Dual Language

Hawthorn District 73 follows the 50:50 two-way, two teacher dual language program model. In this model, students learn core content through both English and Spanish instruction. Classrooms are generally composed of 50% native English speakers and 50% native Spanish speakers. The ratio enables all students to be language models and second language learners. The English and Spanish partner teachers are linguistic specialists in the areas of content they instruct.

It is the mission of Hawthorn School District 73 to ensure learning for all. Our district motto is “Learning For All. Every One. Every Day.” Our vision is rooted in the belief that an exemplary school district:

• Develops and engages learners and learning leaders through purposeful systems and structures.

• Accelerates learning by implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) system-wide.

• Creates a culture of learning, enhancing stakeholder engagement and satisfaction. 

As a school district, we embrace the diversity of our school community and understand the challenges students face as they prepare for a future that demands the skills necessary to compete in a global society. Among these skills is the ability to have linguistic and academic proficiency in two languages. 

The Hawthorn District 73 Dual Language Program has been in existence for 20 years with a goal of biliteracy, bilingualism and biculturalism. Establishing a dual language program at both the elementary and middle school deepens our students’ proficiency in Spanish and English, and provides a more seamless and rigorous experience for our students.

English speaking students will develop Spanish proficiency at an early age, while continuing to grow in their English skills. Spanish speaking children will develop English proficiency, while enriching their Spanish language skills. All children learn appropriate academic skills while developing target language proficiency. Brain research has shown that bilingual speakers have the opportunity to develop more cognitive flexibility through their bilingualism. Moreover, students develop social skills that allow them to establish cross-cultural friendships.

The Hawthorn School District 73 Dual Language Program is housed at the School of Dual Language for students in grades K-5, and at both Middle School North and Middle School South for students in grades 6-8.

The dual language program is open to all families in Hawthorn District 73, with priorities given to siblings of students currently enrolled in the program. Entry into the dual language program is not guaranteed, as there is often more interest than available spaces. A lottery process and wait list have been established that involve consideration of factors such as language proficiency in the home/native language and ratios in the classroom for both size and language distribution. Families are encouraged to attend an informational session to learn about our program.

The Hawthorn District 73 Dual Language Middle School Program consists of a Spanish Language Arts/Literacy course along with content instruction in Spanish for social studies. These classes allow continued instruction in Spanish and support dual language students in their continued development of both academic and language skills.

All Hawthorn students follow the same learning standards. Additionally, the Spanish Language Arts courses address Spanish language acquisition standards.

Yes. Students enrolled in the dual language program have the same opportunities as all other students in the district to participate in school activities. All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics.

Students participating in the Hawthorn 73 Dual Language Program have meaningful opportunities to use their Spanish language skills in a variety of academic and social contexts, and with content that is rigorous and cognitively complex. Information shared by the World Language Directors at our local high schools indicates that our dual language students enter into high school language programs with higher proficiency and fluency levels. 

Students participate in both the Spanish Social Studies and Spanish Language Arts courses. The only exceptions to this may be for students who require special education services as described in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Our reporting system is designed to inform parents/guardians of their child’s progress toward achieving specific learning standards. Students in the dual language program are graded in the same way as other elementary and middle school students. In addition, students receive progress reports on their linguistic development.

Teachers in dual language classrooms have the appropriate State of Illinois certification. Target language teachers have native or near native proficiency in both English and/or Spanish. Dual language partner teachers work as a team to implement the most effective teaching strategies in their classrooms.

Students who require support through special education services receive the support outlined within their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).