The Office of English Language Learners & Global Languages is responsible for the:
English Language Learners (ELLs) have a better chance to reach their potential if their home language is used as a medium of instruction. Bilingual Instruction uses the primary language to teach basic skills in content areas while English language skills are being developed.
Detroit's bilingual program began in the early 1970's. Since 1976, it has been administered by the Office of Bilingual Education with input from bilingual parents, community, teachers and school administrators.
The primary goals of the District's bilingual program are to teach English and increase academic achievement. The Office of English Language Learners & Global Languages provides schools with support to meet these goals and to comply with the Office for Civil Rights, federal mandates, and state and local requirements on bilingual education. The implementation of bilingual education in the Detroit Public Schools is consistent with the State of Michigan Revised School Code.