Multilingual Learners

Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI)

Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) is the official name for District 109’s English Learners services. Students eligible for TPI services receive special assistance from a TPI staff member as they learn how to speak, listen, read, and write in English. The District offers opportunities for English Learners (EL) to meet the same standards for academic achievement that all children are expected to attain.

Instruction for English Learners

All six schools in District 109 have TPI instruction. The District uses a pullout model for instruction that is delivered entirely in English. In addition to direct instruction, the TPI teacher provides resources and support to general and special education teachers. The TPI programs are:

Preschool TPI

Elementary School TPI

Middle School TPI

Middle School TPI is for students in grades 6-8 who meet the entrance criteria. Students receive TPI instruction based on their assessment and classroom performance. The TPI teacher uses a sheltered English approach to support academic learning. The TPI teacher is a part of the grade level team who facilitates the development of an instructional plan, recommends second language acquisition techniques, and assists with the student’s transition to English fluency. The teacher also monitors students and their annual development of English language skills.

Meet the Team

Jason Jezuit
Director of Learning & Instruction

Jill Bonnette
Multilingual Specialist

Katie Cichelli
Multilingual Specialist

Debi Fornek
Multilingual Specialist

Amy Levine
Multilingual Specialist

Nicole Hanna
Multilingual Specialist

Identification for EL Services

Initial Student Identification

A certified EL teacher screens all students whose families answer "yes" to one or both questions on the Home Language Survey. Students will receive an individual language proficiency assessment within 30 days of their enrollment in the District. Students identified as limited English proficient based on the assessment scores are eligible to receive services from the TPI instructor. Parents are notified of this eligibility.

Continuing Student Enrollment

Students moving into the District who have previously qualified for TPI services are eligible to continue to participate in TPI services. Parents are notified.

Annual Assessment (ACCESS) Testing

Students in grades K-8 who are eligible for TPI services are annually evaluated for English proficiency in their home schools using a state-adopted assessment (ACCESS).

What is the ACCESS Test?

A measure of how English Learners are progressing in their acquisition of English in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Results of the test are reported in June
Students must receive a composite score of 4.8 in order to be exited from TPI services.

Students who do not meet the exit criteria continue with TPI services. Parents are notified of any change in a child’s eligibility.

An elderly man is being shown some homework by a student

EL Parent-School Communication

When a student is identified as eligible for TPI services, parents receive information about:

The reasons for their child’s identification for TPI services
Their child’s level of English proficiency
The instructional methods used in TPI services
How the TPI services will meet their child’s needs
Specific exit criteria from TPI services
How the TPI services will meet their child’s individualized education program (IEP) - if applicable
Information on parent/guardian rights

Parents receive this information in the mail no later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year. Parents of students who move into the District after the school year begins will receive information about their child’s enrollment in TPI services in the mail within 14 days. Parents also receive regular updates on their child’s progress and are encouraged to provide input into the TPI services.

A teacher reads to a first grade classroom of students a book titled %22More than Peach%22

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