Lexington Supports Growing English Learner Population

A classroom filled with students from various language backgrounds working together with educational resources.

News Summary

Lexington, Kentucky, is experiencing a surge in its English learner population, prompting Fayette County Public Schools to enhance support for these students and their families. The district’s initiatives include employing multilingual family ambassadors and providing resources to help non-English speaking families adjust to the school system. Alongside individual success stories, FCPS reflects a commitment to removing barriers and promoting inclusion, showcasing a significant decrease in schools flagged for low achievement amongst English learners. Overall, FCPS serves as a model for supporting diverse language backgrounds.

Growing English Learner Population Finds Support in Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky, is witnessing a remarkable shift as the number of English learners continues to soar. Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) is stepping up its game to cater to the needs of this expanding group, making sure each student and their families feel like they belong. With a heartwarming focus on community integration, FCPS is all about creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of their language background.

A Tale of Triumph: Geoneida Molina’s Journey

One such success story is that of Geoneida Molina, who made the leap from Venezuela to Lexington just last year with her 8-year-old daughter. After settling into their new home, Molina found her daughter thriving in the school environment and quickly mastering the English language. This transformation is a testament to the supportive educational framework fostered by FCPS, aimed at helping students like her excel.

Building Bridges: Multilingual Family Ambassadors

Understanding that the journey can be challenging for many families, FCPS has taken commendable steps to build bridges between schools and non-English speaking families. The district employs multilingual family ambassadors whose primary role is to link families to the vital resources and services they need. These dedicated individuals not only assist families with language barriers but also offer a sense of connection and understanding within the school community.

Leadership with Personal Experience

Leading this inspiring initiative is Rose Santiago, the head of the multilingual department. With a personal background as an English learner, Santiago knows firsthand the struggles and triumphs that come with learning a new language. Her experiences shape her approach, allowing her to connect with both students and families on a deeper level.

Diverse Voices in the Classroom

The impressive diversity within FCPS is underscored by the fact that there are 113 different language backgrounds represented in the district. This rich mixture signifies a vibrant community, but it also comes with challenges. The variety of languages, including niche dialects, means that districts are constantly working to adapt and provide the necessary support. FCPS has risen to the occasion, using innovative strategies such as translation services and communication devices to ensure accessibility for all.

Empowering Families Through Education

To further ease the transition for non-English speaking families, FCPS offers informative classes aimed at helping them understand the school system along with their rights and responsibilities. This proactive approach is not only empowering but also vital in fostering a supportive environment for both students and their families.

Encouraging Academic Growth

FCPS’s commitment to its English learners is reflected in their testing results, which indicate encouraging improvements over time. The number of schools flagged for “low achievement” among English learners has significantly decreased—from 17 schools last year to only 6 this year. Such progress speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the district’s programs and support networks.

A Statewide Trend in Kentucky

FCPS is not an isolated case. Across Kentucky, the trend of increasing English learners is evident, with a record number reported. Last year, the total enrollment of English learners reached an astounding 51,248, a notable jump from 28,743 in the 2017-2018 school year. Matthew Courtney from the Kentucky Department of Education has highlighted the strain this growth has placed on district resources, but FCPS continues to work diligently to address these challenges head-on.

Empowered Support Through Experience

Among the multilingual family ambassadors is Patrick Irakiza, who made his own journey to Lexington from Rwanda as an English learner. He now plays a crucial role in aiding current students who are still navigating the complexities of the English language. With a keen understanding of the barriers that need to be overcome, Irakiza is energized by the noticeable improvements in resource access and overall support.

A Continuing Mission of Integration and Opportunity

The overarching goal of FCPS is to dismantle the barriers that hinder students’ success and promote equal opportunities for everyone, no matter their background. By enhancing resources and services for English learners, FCPS is setting a shining example of community support, integration, and empowerment in education.