Oak Park Elementary School District 97 has received national recognition for its World Language Elementary School (WLES) program, winning the prestigious 2024 Melba D. Woodruff Award for Exemplary Elementary World Language Program from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The award will be presented on Nov. 22 during the ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo in Philadelphia.
The award honors the WLES program’s commitment to making language learning accessible to all students across the district’s eight elementary schools. Since its district-wide launch more than 20 years ago, the program has provided Spanish instruction to K-5 students, fostering language skills, cultural awareness, and a foundation for global citizenship. Each week, students learn not only language basics but also about diverse cultural traditions, sparking curiosity and empathy in Oak Park’s youngest learners.
“Our district’s long history of investment in the WLES program demonstrates our community’s commitment to multilingualism and multiculturalism,” District 97 Superintendent Dr. Ushma Shah remarked, “D97 teachers that are behind the success of the WLES program will be a key part of evolving our district’s approach to language and students’ access to achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and other home languages as well. We look forward to engaging with our bilingual teachers and building upon their strengths as we plan for the future of the district.”
District 97 is in the process of finalizing the Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate, which includes a dimension called ‘Global Connector’ and a call for increased access to multilingualism. More information about our Portrait and what’s next is available here.
Margaret Poleski, District 97 world languages department co-chair, will accept the award on behalf of the district later this month.
“Over the past 20 years, the program has evolved into a vital part of our curriculum, supported by a diverse and collaborative team committed to equity and multicultural understanding," Poleski said. "This award serves as a testament to the community values of Oak Park, as well as the hard work and dedication of all who have been part of the program over the years.”
Congratulations to the WLES program, District 97 educators, and the entire Oak Park community for this national recognition!