English language learners

Illinois Wesleyan University is providing interpretation services to Bloomington's District 87. Multilingual Accessibility Club founder Celina El Ghossaini says Gujarati interpretation services for families of Indian heritage has been requested the most.

The McLean County Museum of History has unveiled a web-based app that allows visitor to choose a Spanish audio self-guided tour. Staff created the app to broaden access.

Star Literacy and Bloomington Public Library partner to present monthly, casual conversation groups aimed at English language learners.

Jonathan Rosa of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education said the way we talk about bilingual students in an educational setting contributes to stigmatization that holds groups of people back from greater opportunity. English as an Additional Language, or EAL, students are seen as educationally deficient, and further sorted into categories.

District 87 is launching a new curriculum for middle and high schoolers enrolled as English language learners — part of an effort to better serve the growing demographic group.