English Learners (EL)
District 401 is committed to supporting the English language development of all English-learning students so they can achieve English language proficiency, grow linguistically and socially, and meet the rigorous academic demands expected of all D401 students.
NOTE ABOUT EPHS: Please note that Elmwood Park High School's program for English Learners is now called the Emergent Bilingual Program.
District Language Coach
Our commitment to English Learners has been strengthened by the creation of a new position dedicated to supporting EL instruction: District language coach.
Ms. Dominique Byrnes is our first District language coach, a position that began with the 2020-21 school year. Prior to that, Ms. Byrnes was a 5th- and 6th-grade homeroom teacher for 10 years and an EL resource teacher for five years, all at John Mills Elementary School. She also has taught dual-credit high school students and adult learners at Triton College.
As District language coach, Ms. Byrnes provides the leadership, professional development and data-driven support needed to increase achievement for EL students districtwide.
Contact Information
Questions or concerns? Please contact Dr. Kimberly Ontiveros, District 401's Director for Curriculum & Instruction, at 708-583-5835.
District 401’s Policy on English Learners
EL instruction in District 401 is governed by the Board of Education's policy on English Learners, which can be found in Section 6:160 of the District Policy Manual.
A searchable online version of the complete District Policy Manual can be found here.
For More Information
To learn more about District 401's EL services and programs, please visit the pages and documents listed below:
- ACCESS Testing
- Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC)
- Continuum of EL Services
- EL Attributes and Definitions
- EL Program Models and Goals
- State Requirements for ELs as Implemented in District 401
- TBE Full-Time and Part-Time Program Description and Placement Criteria