LITTLE ROCK, AR — A Central Arkansas elementary school is adjusting its staffing after the school district deemed the school distressed.
Administrators say 50 percent of their student body is Spanish speaking, creating not only a language barrier but a stonewall for comprehension.
At a meeting Thursday, parents and teachers were able to speak their mind about the new program.
Starting next school year, teachers will have to be specially trained to educate Spanish speaking children and students who are having problems with proficiency.
One of the requirements to integrate the new program is having current and new teachers re-apply for educator positions.
Administrators say with the new and old teachers the school will have a fresh start, while some parents worry good teachers will be lost.
“The entire staff will have to interview to be here for the next school year,” said Associate Superintendent Elementary Schools Dr. Sadie Mitchell.
“What is going to happen to her? Is she going to stay here because she knows more Spanish? But what about the rest of the other teachers?” asked High School Student Luis Arellano.
Staff says there are about 14 classroom teachers working now. Next year that number may grow with the new hires. The program begins in September.
Administrators say 50 percent of their student body is Spanish speaking, creating not only a language barrier but a stonewall for comprehension.
At a meeting Thursday, parents and teachers were able to speak their mind about the new program.
Starting next school year, teachers will have to be specially trained to educate Spanish speaking children and students who are having problems with proficiency.
One of the requirements to integrate the new program is having current and new teachers re-apply for educator positions.
Administrators say with the new and old teachers the school will have a fresh start, while some parents worry good teachers will be lost.
“The entire staff will have to interview to be here for the next school year,” said Associate Superintendent Elementary Schools Dr. Sadie Mitchell.
“What is going to happen to her? Is she going to stay here because she knows more Spanish? But what about the rest of the other teachers?” asked High School Student Luis Arellano.
Staff says there are about 14 classroom teachers working now. Next year that number may grow with the new hires. The program begins in September.
