During the 1969-1970 school year, the Chicago Public Schools began implementing bilingual education programs in two elementary schools and one high school. These programs were supported with federal funds provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title VII Bilingual Education Act. The State of Illinois participated in the growth of bilingual education programs by funding five projects in the 1970-1971 school year. During the next few years, the number of bilingual programs continued to expand and on October 1, 1973 the Illinois General Assembly adopted Article 14C of The School Code of Illinois.

► Proceed to Bilingual/ESL Program Section ►

It is the mission of the CPS Office of Language and Cultural Education World Languages and International Studies Unit is to provide students from every racial and economic background with the tools to be active players in the global marketplace. The unit oversees K-12 instruction of 11 world languages and implements year round professional development to support the teaching of languages and the fostering of increased international content in all curriculum areas.

► Proceed to World Languages Program Section