Philadelphia’s English learners make up a growing share of the district’s enrollment, with around 25,000 enrolled last year. However, they are significantly less likely to graduate than their peers, with only 70% of students identified as English learners graduating within four years, compared to 88% of students who were not identified as English learners.

Challenges Faced by English Learners

English learners include a diverse range of students from various language and cultural backgrounds. Some students arrive in Philadelphia from different education systems, and some have received little previous education in English. Families and advocates say the district doesn’t provide enough support or flexibility, especially in high school.

Many English learners have to balance school with work to support themselves or their families. Though the district has some flexible options, such as accelerated or virtual programs, they are rarely accessible to students who are just beginning to learn English or who have just started formal schooling. As a result, students often cut class to go to their jobs, leading to suspensions and truancy.

Support and Resources

The district 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. It also offers English as a second language classes and support programs for English learners in several other neighborhood high schools.

Advocates say families and students constantly struggle to get information in a language they understand and to get help accessing the curriculum. They have advocated for the district to put more resources toward newcomer programs in high schools to help students reach English proficiency faster.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.