Transitional English instruction builds on students’ experiential and academic knowledge to develop reading, critical thinking and analysis, and writing skills to enhance their success in college-level courses across majors and career pathways while aligning with Illinois’ learning standards.
To support the implementation of transitional English, a Statewide Advisory Group has been established in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois Board of Higher Education. The group comprises secondary and postsecondary representatives who advise on the approach for professional development, curricular resources needed, and a review of materials currently in use by communities implementing transitional English.
Through the collaboration and efforts of this group, statewide resources have been created, and community-created samples have been vetted that align with the Statewide Course Parameters, Competencies, and Policies document to support new and established transitional English courses to meet the requirements to apply for statewide portability. Please utilize, repurpose, and share the following resources within your community as you look to enhance or design a transitional English course.
Please access the following materials for an overview of the statewide transitional English course parameters, competencies, and policies:
| Resource | Download(s) | |
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What is Transitional English? |
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Best Fit Profile for Schools and Students |
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Who Should Take Transitional English – Guidance for Secondary Schools |
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Partnership Structures within Transitional English |
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Checklist for MOU, Syllabus, & Spreadsheet Development (for LAPs and Districts preparing for the Statewide Portability Panel) |
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Transitional English Syllabus Template |
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Transitional English Syllabus Sample |
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Text Set Guidance |
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Table of Content & Process Competencies |
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Unit Template |
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These examples are in process and represent the best thinking of communities. They will continue to be iterated based on feedback and student outcome.
* Approved for statewide portability
| Provided By | Example Resource Download |
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Belvidere District 100 |
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College of Lake County* / Grant Community High School District 124 |
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Homewood-Flossmoor High School |
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Regional Office of Education 47 / Sauk Valley |
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Township High School District 211 |
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The first session features an overview of the PWR Act, transitional English philosophy, and the Statewide Transitional English Course Parameters, Competencies, and Policies document.
The second session highlights community college partnerships and the approval process and documentation for transitional English.
The third session highlights instructional shifts for transitional English.
The fourth session highlights the role writing plays in developing students who are ready for college and careers after high school.
The fifth and final session highlights framing and reflective questions, themes and text sets, reading and writing strategies, addressing process skills and competencies, and units of instruction.
At the 2022 Equity First conference, hosted by the Illinois Education and Career Success Network, Melvin Harrison, Director for Academic Affairs at Illinois Community College Board, presented on transitional English course implementation and how the courses can build bridges for student access. Then, Anji Garza, Director of Professional Learning & Educational Services at ROE #47, shared resources and insights on developing or enhancing transitional English. Download the presentation.
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