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Utah Bill Aids Schools Struggling with English Language Learners – Deseret News


A bill aimed at providing emergency funding to schools experiencing significant increases in English language learners has advanced for a floor vote in the Utah legislature. The bill, introduced by House Education Chair Candice Pierucci, would make $500,000 available for schools that have seen a 75% increase in students learning English compared to the previous three-year average. The funds could be used for teacher training, hiring aides, reducing class sizes, and obtaining resources for English language learners.

The need for this emergency funding arose as several Utah school districts, including Jordan, Alpine, Provo, and Davis, have seen substantial spikes in English language learner enrollment. The increase in students learning English coincided with a surge in migrants entering the United States during the Biden administration, leading to strains on schools to accommodate the growing population without additional resources.

The bill would prioritize funds for schools with the greatest increases in English language learner enrollment and require eligible school districts to demonstrate a lack of funds to support the influx of students. Proponents of the bill argue that providing resources to teachers working with English language learners will ultimately benefit all students in the school.

While the bill received bipartisan support during a committee hearing, some conservative voices have expressed concerns about increasing resources for English language learners, citing potential costs to Utah taxpayers and the attractiveness of the state to migrants. Despite pushback, the bill is seen as a lifeline for schools like Riverton High School, which have seen a significant increase in English language learners and are struggling to meet their needs during the academic year.

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