Thread: The High Costs of Teaching English

Edited Story ...

Learning English a challenge
By Brandee Hayhurst / Times-News
August 26, 2007 8:08 PM

Language not the only obstacle for students

In 1991, there were 86 Hispanic students in the Alamance-Burlington School System. Just five years later, state statistics indicate there were 684.

And that costs money.

Faye Leath, director of at-risk services, said the school system relies on government funding to pay ESL teachers, provide support services for migrant students, and staff the intake center, which assesses student abilities. Next year, Alamance-Burlington schools will receive an estimated $2 million in state funding and another $382,000 in federal funding for ESL and migrant students.

A handful of school principals have dug into their own coffers to pay for a translator, but the large majority of schools rely on teachers to make sure parents understand what is going on.

Tina Manning, the school system’s lead ESL teacher, said sometimes other parents comment to her about the resources spent on educating Hispanic children. She tells them that federal law requires them to educate all students, regardless of immigration status.
“Bottom line is no matter how you feel about immigration or anything else, the school system is here to serve the child,â€

They need to learn English on their own dime BEFORE they can attend school!

Learning English should be a requirement before enrolling in ANY public school.