EL DEPARTAMENT
Welcome to the English Learner (EL) Department
Every Language is an Asset. Every Student Can Succeed.
Welcome to Calumet City School District 155! We are proud to serve multilingual learners and celebrate the many languages and cultures that enrich our schools. Our mission is to ensure every student has equitable access to high-quality instruction while developing English proficiency and maintaining pride in their home language and culture. We look forward to partnering with your family throughout your child's educational journey.
🌟 Our Mission 🌟
The Multilingual Learner Department is committed to accelerating English language development while honoring students' linguistic and cultural identities. Through collaboration with families, teachers, and the community, we ensure multilingual learners receive equitable educational opportunities that prepare them for lifelong success.
New to District 155?
📖 Understanding WIDA
WIDA is a consortium of states, including Illinois, that develops English Language Development (ELD) standards and assessments for multilingual learners.
District 155 uses WIDA to identify students who qualify for English language support services, monitor their progress, and help ensure they are developing the language skills needed for success in school.
The WIDA English Language Development Standards focus on
four language domains:
Listening 👂
Speaking 🗣️
Reading 📚
Writing ✍️
Students who qualify for English learner services take the WIDA Screener when they first enroll (if required) and the ACCESS for ELLs assessment each year to measure their English language growth.
Language Proficiency Levels
1️⃣ Entering
2️⃣ Emerging
3️⃣ Developing
4️⃣ Expanding
5️⃣ Bridging
6️⃣ Reaching
Our teachers use the 2020 WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework to plan meaningful instruction that supports language development while helping students succeed in grade-level academic content.
📥 WIDA Family Resources
2020 WIDA ELD Standards Framework
Illustrated Guiding Principles of Language Development
Understanding ACCESS Score Reports
Understanding ACCESS Score Reports (Spanish)
🎥 Learn More About WIDA
What is WIDA?
📅 Annual Testing Calendar
🤝 Family Engagement
At Calumet City School District 155, we believe that families are our most important partners in a child’s education. We value the languages, cultures, and experiences each family brings to our school community and are committed to building meaningful partnerships that support student success.
We encourage all families to stay connected by attending school events, participating in the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), communicating regularly with teachers, and taking advantage of the resources and workshops offered throughout the year. Together, we can create a strong foundation for every multilingual learner to thrive both academically and socially.
Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC)
The Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) is an important partnership between families, the school district, and the community. We invite all parents and guardians of multilingual learners to become active participants in supporting student success. BPAC provides families with opportunities to learn about bilingual and multilingual education programs, share feedback, participate in district planning, and advocate for the needs of English learners.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways to get involved! BPAC members can:
- Attend BPAC meetings
- Serve as a BPAC officer or committee member
- Volunteer at family literacy nights, multicultural celebrations, and parent workshops
- Share ideas and provide input on multilingual learner programs
- Help welcome new multilingual families to District 155
- Partner with schools to strengthen communication between families and the district
Your voice matters, and together we can help every multilingual learner reach their full potential.
Complete this BPAC Questionnaire to help us plan future meetings.
📚 BPAC Resources
To learn more about the purpose, responsibilities, and structure of BPAC, visit the following official Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) resources:
- ISBE Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) Information
- BPAC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
BPAC FAQ (English and translated versions)
- BPAC Structure and Requirements
- Sample BPAC Bylaws Template (English & Spanish)
Available from the ISBE BPAC Resource Page under "Bylaws".
We encourage every family of a multilingual learner to join BPAC and help shape the future of our multilingual education programs. Together, we can build strong partnerships that support student achievement and celebrate the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of our District 155 community.
📅 BPAC Meeting Calendar
We are also planning a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the end of September or beginning of October. Please join us in celebrating and planning this event, ideas and suggestions are welcome!
📝 Agendas
📄 Meeting Minutes
🎉 Celebrating Student Success
District 155 is proud to celebrate the continued progress of our multilingual learners. During the 2024-2025 school year, 2 students met the Illinois criteria to exit English learner services. In the 2025-2026 school year, that number increased to 10 students, reflecting significant growth in English language proficiency and the impact of targeted instructional support.
In addition, the district worked closely with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to ensure accurate student identification. During the 2025-2026 school year, 7 student records were corrected due to ISBE identification updates and 8 appeals were submitted to ISBE to ensure students receive the appropriate multilingual learner designation and services.
These accomplishments demonstrate District 155’s commitment to maintaining accurate student records, providing high-quality language instruction, and supporting multilingual learners as they achieve English proficiency and academic success.
Culture Nights
👩🏽🏫 Teacher Resources
Professional Development (self-paced)
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my child receiving ESL services?
Your child qualified for English language support based on the Home Language Survey and the WIDA Screener. These services help students develop English proficiency while succeeding in grade-level academics.
Can I decline services?
Yes, Parents have the right to decline ESL or bilingual services. However, your child must still participate in the annual ACCESS for ELLs assessment and will remain identified as an English language learner until they meet the Illinois exit criteria.
How is my child identified?
During registration, families complete a Home Language Survey. If a language other than English is indicated, the student may be screened using the WIDA Screener to determine eligibility for multilingual learner services.
What is ACCESS?
ACCESS for ELLs is the annual English language proficiency assessment used in Illinois to measure students’ growth in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
How long will my child receive services?
Students receive services until they meet the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) criteria for English proficiency. Progress is reviewed annually using ACCESS results and other educational data.
Will my child lose their home language?
No. District 155 values bilingualism and encourages students to continue developing and using their home language while learning English.
What is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is an award placed on a high school diploma and transcript that recognizes students who demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. It celebrates multilingualism and can provide advantages for college admissions and future career opportunities.
🌎 Community Resources
Community Food Pantry
Healthcare Resources
Summer Programs
📞 Meet Our Team
Araceli Suarez-Salgado
ESL Coordinator
📧 asalgado@calumetcity155.org
📞 (708) 868-7559 ext. 2103
Angel Caballero
Bilingual Teacher – WES
Grace Larson
ESL Teacher – WIS
Mrs. Mansour
ESL Teacher – WJH
📊 District Snapshot
🌍 Languages Spoken
- Spanish, Yoruba, Igbo, French, Haitian-Creole
👨🎓 Multilingual Learners Served
🎓 Students Exiting ESL Annually
👨👩👧 BPAC Meetings Each Year
- We have four mandatory meetings annually
📚 Teachers Trained in WIDA
🤝 Family Engagement Events
- Back to School Bash
- Hispanic Heritage Celebration
- Family Literacy Night
