FAQs

Where do I register my child for school?
	Registration of new and returning students takes place at the Welcome Center which is located at the corner of Chestnut and Greenwood Streets. View the Registration section of our web site to find out what to bring with you to register and the list of fees. Please note: If your child hears/speaks more than one language, he/she will need to complete a language test.

How does my child qualify for a language program?
	The law requires that every family complete a Home Language Survey when registering. The purpose of the survey is to identify students of a non-English background. If another language is spoken at home, then the child will be given a language test to determine if the child would benefit from a language program. This is also required by law and is done at the Welcome Center during registration.

What is meant by Transitional Bilingual Education?
	In this program students learn math, social studies, and science in their first language and in English. Students in the TBE program learn to read and write in their first language. Also, English as a Second Language or ESL is an important part of the TBE program and is taught every day.

Which Waukegan Schools offer TBE programs?
	Whittier Kindergarten Center and all elementary and middle schools have Transitional Bilingual Education programs. You will find general information about each of our schools in the Schools section of our web site. Links to the individual school web sites are also provided for more details.

What is the Transitional Program of Instruction?
	Another program is called Transitional Program of Instruction or TPI. This program is for students speaking a variety of other languages such as Filipino, Arabic, Serbian, French, Mandarin, Haitian-Creole, Panjabi, Cambodian, etc. Students in the TPI program learn to read and write in English and ESL is an important part of the TPI program. TPI students typically receive content area instruction using a sheltered English approach and English language development through English as a Second Language. As students meet district criteria for mainstreaming, they are gradually transitioned.

Which Waukegan Schools offer TPI programs?
	The TPI Program is housed at: Clark Elementary School, Jack Benny Middle School and Waukegan High School.

Do parents have a choice to enroll their child in a language program?
	Yes. Parents always can say yes or no to language program services. No student is enrolled in TBE or TPI unless the parent approves.