AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - An expert on bilingual education has told Texas' sweeping school finance trial of the state's dramatic growth in students considered English-language learners.
Delia Pompa is senior vice president of the National Council of La Raza. She testified Tuesday that from 1998 to 2008, the number of English-language learners jumped 38.4 percent.
That's compared to overall enrollment growth of 17.4 percent over the same period.
But Pompa said funding for bilingual and English as a Second Language programs fell from $1.2 billion in 2009-10 to $949 million in 2011-12.
She added that English-language learners had an 18 percent passing rate on the 2012 statewide standardized test known as STAAR. Non-English-language learning students had 72 percent passing rates.
Over 600 school districts are suing Texas over the way it funds schools.
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Posted: 11:40 AM - (Idabel, Okla.) – For anyone interested in learning more about building preservation, Idabel Main Street will host “Historic Building Maintenance,” a workshop on the care and maintenance of the historic district, June 25th, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, at the Idabel Public Library. Read More
Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More
Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More
