Cedar Rapids Weather
Number of English Language Learning Students on the RiseBy Nadia Crow, Reporter
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The number of students who can’t speak English attending schools in Cedar Rapids is higher than ever before. The Cedar Rapids Community School District leads the state in the fastest growing population of these students, known as English language learners, or ELL students. State wide the number of ELL students has grown 20% since 2006. In Cedar Rapids, that number jumps to 104%. 71% are Spanish speakers with a growing number of students who speak Swahili.
Now six elementary schools in the district have ELL programs where teachers work in small groups to help those students become proficient in English. But the influx of students over the past few years means more stress on staff and teaching resources. A dramatic jump in that student population could be attributed to refugees. “Whenever there was a conflict in the world, six to eight months we would see children from that part of the world where there was conflict,” said ELL Teacher Elaine Rasmussen. But recently, after 16 years as an ELL teacher, Elaine Rasmussen says word-of-mouth brings in more people from various countries. Regardless of why, the district is dealing with a special group that needs specific attention. “I need small group instruction. I need lots of visuals and manipulations,” said Rasmussen. The state board of education reports that it allocates about $1,300 per ELL student to each district. Any other costs, ELL teachers say generally comes out of their own pockets. In 1996, the district had four ELL teachers, now 12 spread throughout nine schools. “More personnel are needed to help when the population increases like that,” said Rasmussen. Rasmussen adds they continue to get students consistently throughout the year. A new ELL student will join them this week. On Tuesday, the Iowa Senate approved a measure giving schools 4% more per student which would help accommodate the growing ELL population statewide. More Good Stuff |
What's On KCRG
Most Popular >> |
Conversation Guidelines
Be Kind
Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.
Share Knowledge
Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.
Stay focused
Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.
Report Trouble
Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.
read the full guidelines here »
Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.
Most Popular >>