More Spanish-speaking pupils raise need for program funding

The trend of single male Hispanics moving to the county as seasonal laborers is changing now and entire families are becoming more predominant.

As a result of this change, Alleghany County school system has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of students whose primary language is not English over the past two years.

Most of these students speak Spanish.

The number has more than doubled and is expected to increase in the future.

"Alleghany has a sound plan and dedicated professionals," stated Janice Linker, director of special programs for Alleghany County schools, in an address to the members of the school board at a recent meeting. "We simply lack adequate funding to accomplish full implementation of our ESL/LEP program."

These pupils are referred to as ESL students, or English as Second Language students.

Those students who are lacking the proficiency to receive instruction entirely in English are referred to as Limited English Proficient or LEP students.

Special funding to translate, assess and tutor the ESL students has not been available for Alleghany.

Today there are a total of 80 students enrolled as ESL students, whereas there were only 12 enrolled as little as five years ago. Linker said that more than one full-time person was needed for the program.

In-home assessments, form translations, staff development and materials are needed for these students that the school system is required under law to provide.

"We’ve got to provide an education for these children, not just because it is the right thing to do."

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