Multilingual Learning-ELD
Division of Multilingual Learning and ELD Mission Statement
We believe that language is fundamental to the human experience. In an increasingly global and diverse society, learning other languages is an imperative part of every young person's development academically, socially and civically.
The mission of our division, then, is to facilitate students' acquisition of another language. We strive to develop their mastery of the four essential skills of communication – reading, writing, speaking and listening – while providing them the opportunity to explore and appreciate another culture's music, art, literature and history.
About the Division
About the Division
Contacts
Justin Fisk
Director of Multilingual Learning
Room 2434 | 847-415-4701 | jusfisk@d125.org
Dr. Alma Tamayo
Assistant Director of EL and Bilingual Supports
Room 2434 | 847-415-4745 | atamayo@d125.org
Sylvia Lima
Assistant to the Director
Room 2434 | 847-415-4700 | slima@d125.org
Multilingual Learning/ELD Faculty and Staff Directory
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
We will strive to provide students with a positive language learning experience with our commitment to the various facets of curriculum, instruction and assessment. We will continually incorporate the essential components of language acquisition- listening, reading, speaking, and writing-in a manner that both builds upon and strengthens the students’ skills throughout their language experience.
We will infuse a variety of learning opportunities that are aligned to specific and measurable learning targets and demonstrate best practices. Technology will complement our instruction both for its academic relevance and its crucial role in our ever-evolving digital world.
We will continue to develop and implement authentic communicative and cultural experiences and create an atmosphere that promotes social-emotional learning.
Equity and Access
We believe in providing all students the opportunity to experience a world language in an environment that nurtures and respects all learners as individuals.
As a division, we will hold students to high expectations and commit to providing the tools for all students to be successful regardless of individual learning needs, interests, and cultural differences.
Working within a Professional Learning Community (PLC)
As members of a professional learning community, we will constantly strive to collaborate and learn from one another while respecting the strengths and contributions of each team member.
Trust, respect, and open dialogue will be essential components of our collaborative environment as means to improve the quality of teaching and learning for all students.
Culture for Learning
We are passionate, invested, and accountable. We believe that a professional learning community should provide the opportunity for life-long learning through the creation of a safe and supportive environment in which all members are challenged with high but realistic expectations.
As teacher leaders at the forefront of our field, we will exemplify commitment to life-long learning and professional development.
Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
French
- French 1 (FRE101/102)
- French 2 Accelerated (FRE211/212)
- French 3 Accelerated (FRE311/312)
- AP French (FRE601/602)
German
- German 1 (GRE101/102)
- German 2 Accelerated (GRE211/212)
- German 3 Accelerated (GRE311/312)
- AP German (GRE601/602)
Hebrew
- Hebrew 1 (HBR101/102)
- Hebrew 2 Accelerated (HBR211/212)
- Hebrew 3 Accelerated (HBR 311/HBR 312)
- Hebrew 4 Accelerated (HBR411/412)
Latin
- Latin 1 (LAT101/102)
- Latin 2 (LAT211/212)
- Latin 3/4 (LAT311/312)
- AP Latin Vergil Honors (LAT621/622)
Mandarin Chinese
- Chinese 1 (CHI101/102)
- Chinese 2 Accelerated (CHI211/212)
- Chinese 3 Accelerated (CHI311/312)
- Chinese 4 Accelerated (CHI411/412)
- AP Chinese (CH601/602)
- Chinese Literature, Media and Culture (Honors) (CHI611/612)
Spanish
- Spanish 1 (SPA101/102)
- Spanish 2 (SPA201/202)
- Spanish 2 Accelerated (SPA211/212)
- Spanish 3 (SPA301/302)
- Spanish 3/4 Accelerated (SPA311/312)
- Spanish 4 (SPA401/402)
- Spanish 5 Honors: AP Spanish Language and Culture (SPA601/602)
- Advanced Spanish Conversation and Culture (SPA511/512)
- Spanish 6 Honors: AP Spanish Literature and Culture (SPA611/612)
ELD Courses
- Beginning Language Arts (ELL161/162)
- Intermediate Language Arts (ELL261/262)
- ELL Advanced Language (ELL361/362)
- Multilingual Advanced Literature (ELL371)
- World Contemporary Literature (ELL461/462)
- Current Events (ELL561/562)
- ELL World History (ELL761/762)
- ELL U.S. History (ELL861/862)
For course descriptions from all academic divisions, visit the Course Selection page.
Seal of Biliteracy
Seal of Biliteracy
In accordance with Section 2-3.159 of the Illinois School Code, Adlai E. Stevenson High School is proud to offer current Juniors and Seniors (native English and English Language Learners (ELs) the opportunity to test for the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. It is highlighted on high school diplomas and serves as a statement of accomplishment for college admission and future employment.
To attain the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. An "intermediate high" composite score, or an "intermediate high" score in all four domains, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening, is evidence of attainment via an approved world language assessment.
Students who establish high proficiency in English and come close to meriting the Seal at the high school level will receive the State Commendation toward Biliteracy. The Commendation award does not usually earn college credit. However, it demonstrates to employers and college admissions offices that the student has achieved a high level of language ability.
Again, recipients of both the Seal or Commendation must still meet English proficiency requirements and adhere to the Illinois State Board of Education World Language requirements.
Students who have earned the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy or the Illinois State Commendation toward Biliteracy will receive their award at graduation. Achievement is acknowledged on student transcripts and diplomas.
2024-2025 EXAM SCHEDULE
Stevenson offers Juniors and Seniors the opportunity to qualify for Illinois State's Seal of Biliteracy program by demonstrating a high level of proficiency in English and another language. High proficiency in a language other than English is attained via one of the approved language exams. The SAT, ACT, ACCESS for ELLs, or ACTFL’s ESL exam establishes English proficiency.
For more information on the languages offered, costs, exam format, and other great information and resources, please read the Biliteracy FAQ.
Note: The link will not be reopened once it is closed.
Fall Biliteracy Exam
- Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Registration opens Monday, Sept. 9, 2024
- Registration closes Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at midnight
- Exam window: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Testing begins and ends on time.
- Seating is limited to the first 80 students who register and complete payment.
Spring Biliteracy Exam
We are offering two (2) Spring exams depending on the exam type and testing domain.
- Thursday, March 13, 2025 (during Late Arrival)
- For students taking the ALIRA (Latin), or AAPPL Writing, Listening, or Reading exam.
- Registration opens Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
- Registration closes Friday, Mar. 7, 2025, at midnight
- The exam will be held during Late Arrival from 8:00 - 10:15 am. Testing begins and ends on time.
- Seating is limited to the first 80 students who register and complete payment.
- Saturday, March 15, 2025
- For students taking ALTA’s Reading & Listening exam and STAMP 4S or all of AAPPL’s 4 domains including Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading.
- Registration opens Monday, Feb. 17, 2025
- Registration closes Friday, Mar. 7, 2025, at midnight
- Exam window: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Testing begins and ends on time.
- Seating is limited to the first 80 students who register and complete payment.
Important Links
MPAC
For more information, please visit the Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee (MPAC) group page.
Testing & Placements
Testing & Placements
Placement Exam for Incoming Students
All incoming students with at least one year of prior language coursework or experience, as well as Heritage or Native speakers, interested in taking Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Latin, or Spanish must take an online placement exam at Stevenson. Students with less than one year of prior language coursework or experience will be placed in a Level 1 class and do not need to take the exam.
2025-2026 BENCHMARK Makeup Exam Info:
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
- Who Can Attend:
- Sender school students who missed the December 14 exam
- Students from non-sender schools and transfer students
- Registration Deadline: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
For details about the test format, visit the Multilingual Learning Benchmark FAQ resource. For additional questions, email benchmark@d125.org.
Retake Policy
- Sender Spanish Retakes: Sender teachers must notify SHS of approved students and specify which portion of the exam by emailing benchmark@d125.org.
- No Retakes: Retakes are not allowed for Chinese, French, German, or Hebrew exams.