Sherman, TX -- It's been a hot topic across the nation--immigration reform. Recently proposed English-only laws are heating up that debate even more.
But one local woman is taking a positive, proactive approach, educating spanish-only speakers about Texoma.

Meet Luz Roth. She's a bilingual education teacher at Washington Elementary in Sherman. But that's just one of her jobs. She's also the creator of an important teaching tool for her students, and others across Texoma.

'El Tiempo', or 'The Times', is a regional spanish language newspaper.

"I make them translate--tell me what it means. I use it in the classroom,"
Roth said.

Not only in Sherman classrooms, but in other districts across North Texas, because of the growing Hispanic population. There are close to 1,000 ESL students in Sherman schools alone.

"The program has grown 500% in 10 years," Washington principal Sheryl Barnett said.

Ana Ruth Navarrete is one of 205 bilingual students at Washington who receive the paper in class and take it home to their families and neighbors. Ana reads the paper, not just on her own, but with her parents.

"My dad speaks a little english. My whole family speaks spanish," said Navarrete, "It helps us to read and learn."

That's been the goal of 'El Tiempo' since it's creation one year ago, to educate spanish-only speakers about their community. People like Luz Mata, whose daughters attend Washington Elementary.

"I like the newspaper because it brings me information about my kids school and my country," Mata said.

Bilingual Education teacher Tenise Gray says she's seen 'El Tiempo's positive impact firsthand.

"We can put things in the paper, and keep the parents informed so we see a bigger turnout at assemblies, PTA things, those things are seeing more parents now," said Gray.

Washington Bilingual Education Director Joanne Miller says it's information that parents and children can share, in both english and spanish.

"We believe students need to be bilingual and biliterate, making better citizens for all of us," said Miller.

And that is exactly what Luz Roth is using 'El Tiempo' to achieve.

"We are very lucky these kids can keep their native language and learn a new language. They will be bilingual. They will be the leaders in the world becauase they are going to be able to work with anyone."