As diversity grows within the Western Dubuque Community School District, so does our attention to meeting the needs of all learners. Our English Language Learner (ELL) program is growing every day in both practice and numbers. 

 

Western Dubuque schools are currently serving approximately 70 students identified as English Language Learners in five of our schools. We have active ELL programs at Western Dubuque High School, Cascade Jr. / Sr. High School, Drexler Middle School, Dyersville Elementary, Farley Elementary and Cascade Elementary. 

 

Our staff consists of 3 certified and trained ELL teachers as well as a team of interpreters to ensure that no matter what cultural and language barriers are in place, we can help all students learn and grow within our schools.

 

When new students arrive at any of our Western Dubuque schools, the family will be given a home language survey to allow us to evaluate potential placement within our ELL program. All students identified as ELL will also be assessed annually using the ELPA-21 assessment. This will allow us to monitor student learning and growth in a similar way to Iowa Assessments or other standardized measures.

 

If you should have any questions about the Western Dubuque ELL program, please contact Dan Wendler at [email protected].