Philadelphia’s school district has seen a significant increase in English learners, with around 25,000 enrolled last year. However, these students are less likely to graduate than their peers, with only 70% of English learners graduating within four years, compared to 88% of non-English learners.

Challenges Faced by English Learners

English learners in Philadelphia often struggle to balance school with work to support themselves or their families. The district’s flexible options, such as accelerated or virtual programs, are rarely accessible to these students. As a result, many English learners cut class to go to their jobs, leading to suspensions and truancy.

Advocates say the district does not provide enough support or flexibility for English learners, particularly in high school. They argue that the district needs to put more resources into newcomer programs to help students reach English proficiency faster.

District Response

The School District of Philadelphia has expanded its newcomer academies to three schools in recent years, providing additional support and resources for students who are new to the country and learning English. The district also offers English as a second language classes and support programs for English learners in several other neighborhood high schools.

Despite these efforts, advocates say that families and students still struggle to get information in a language they understand and to access the curriculum. They are calling for the district to do more to support English learners and help them succeed.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.