Aurora East USD 131 details shift to opt‑in elementary dual‑language model, sets March 25 placement guarantee

Aurora East USD 131 superintendent Dr. Halverson and curriculum staff on Feb. 7 described the district’s ongoing rollout of elementary dual‑language programming and a registration process meant to honor family choice while meeting legal obligations to English learners.

"East Aurora District 131 is absolutely committed to valuing learning in both English and Spanish," Halverson said, and staff outlined multiple models: a two‑way 50/50 model with instruction split between English and Spanish, an 80/20 kindergarten model that transitions toward 50/50 in later grades, and a one‑way Spanish model for native Spanish speakers. Dr. Amy Engel said the district is not anticipating systemic changes to the 50/50 model at this time but will monitor data and adjust if needed.

Officials described community outreach that included five in‑person town halls (186 attendees), two staff meetings (192 attendees), and teacher surveys with a 92% response rate. Dr. Engel reported early registration counts: "Registration just opened yesterday and, as of 3:15 p.m. today we already had 836 registrants," and noted earlier that morning there had been 620 registrants. The district set a March 25 deadline for guaranteed program placement for families who register by that date; registration data will be reviewed in April to finalize programming and staffing.

Board members questioned how students will be placed in models tied to ACCESS scores and whether transportation and staffing are in place. Drs. Engel and Guzman said placement recommendations will use ACCESS cut scores (for example, students scoring 4 or above would be recommended for the higher‑performing dual group) and that the district will provide support through its language acquisition and student services teams, job‑fair recruitment, and joint curriculum committees.

District officials emphasized that choice is supported (including an English‑only sheltered instruction option) and that the dual‑language rollout is being managed through departmental improvement plans, a strategic plan for dual language, and dedicated executive‑cabinet time to align staffing and curriculum.

Next steps outlined to parents include ongoing registration (evening and weekend hours), notification of program placement after data review, and an April review to finalize staffing and building assignments.