HISD vows to improve bilingual education

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier is vowing to improve bilingual education in the district. That comes after it was revealed an alarming number of students with limited English skills do not graduate with their class.

Approximately 62,000 students, or 30 percent of the entire district's student population, have limited English proficiency.

In the class of 2010, of the high school students who were still enrolled in English as a Second Language, or ESL courses, only about 30 percent of them graduated with their class. Nearly the same number stayed in school, but the rest -- 40 percent -- dropped out.

However, district officials say they have seen success when students learn English well enough to get out of those ESL classes.

The district says it plans to improve bilingual education for younger students, and work closer with families who don't speak English in their homes.

Get more Local »

houston isd, local

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•