North Georgetown Elementary seeks more state funding for English Learners
GEORGETOWN, Del. – More than half of all students at North Georgetown Elementary are EL students or English Learners and that means the state is looking desperately for new ways to support a growing population.
“Long term our students are going to replace us in our labor workforce, and we need to help them become members of society no matter where they come from or their backgrounds,” said the Principal of North Georgetown Elementary, Dr. Heather Cramer.
Last year, Governor John Carney announced a new strategic plan that allows students to learn English while strengthening their native language and make that connection.
“There are times where I have to kind of say something in Spanish just so that they understand hey there’s a trust here and we can move on,” said Maria Hazzard, a bilingual teacher at North Georgetown Elementary.
“I understand where you’re coming from, but this is where I want you to get to, and if I say it to you in Spanish, I know you’re going to get it,” said Hazzard.
But, the school principal adds some of these students are not able to even read and write in their own native language posing a greater challenge for educators.
“Sometimes one of the things that we’re encountering with our students is that the home language is either non-existent or not there and then to try and pick up another language,” said Cramer.
“Our teachers already are experiencing high stress from the job, as well as now they’re seeking multiple certifications,” said Cramer.
Cramer said as of now there is no state funding available to provide more resources for English Learners like certified teachers and books. But, there is hope for these students to stay on track and become successful.
“We are already ensuring that all of our students are being successful,” said Cramer.
“The pieces of the EL strategic plan that we still need to work on at the state is the funding level for both the education initiatives and teaching units,” said Cramer.
