Delaware’s Multilingual Learners Face Resource Shortage Despite Growth

Delaware’s classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, yet multilingual learners are struggling with inadequate funding and resources. As of this year, approximately 13% of Delaware’s student population, or nearly 19,000 students, speak a language other than English at home. This demographic represents over 100 different languages and cultures, highlighting the state’s growing linguistic diversity.

Maria Rodriguez, an education associate with the Delaware Department of Education, emphasized the significance of this growth. “Being bilingual or multilingual has brain benefits,” she stated. “We need to honor the languages and the cultures that our students bring into our schools.” Rodriguez noted that the number of multilingual learners is expected to increase, presenting both opportunities and challenges for schools across the state.

Funding Gaps for Multilingual Learners

A recent report from the nonprofit Rodel sheds light on the gaps in support for these students. The third edition of the Multilingual Learner Fact Sheet reveals that while the number of multilingual learners has surged, the funding and resources allocated to support them have not kept pace. Paul Herdman, Rodel’s president and CEO, pointed out that although these students represent a valuable asset, the necessary support is lacking.

Delaware currently provides a flat rate of approximately $1,100 per multilingual learner. In contrast, neighboring states such as New Jersey and Maryland allocate between $6,000 and $9,000 per student for additional resources. This disparity highlights a significant funding gap that could hinder the educational progress of multilingual learners.

Herdman criticized the state’s outdated funding formula, which has remained unchanged for over 80 years. “Our system is now at this precipice of fundamentally changing,” he remarked. The state’s Public Education Funding Commission is currently considering reforms aimed at modernizing the funding system to better reflect the needs of today’s diverse student population.

The Challenge of Teacher Shortages

In addition to funding issues, Delaware faces a shortage of certified teachers qualified to support multilingual learners. The current number of educators with the appropriate certifications falls short of meeting the demand created by the growing student population. Rodriguez explained that the Department of Education has implemented various initiatives to enhance professional development for teachers, aiming to improve their capacity to support multilingual students.

Despite these efforts, the number of certified teachers remains low. According to Rodel’s fact sheet, only 34 out of 227 schools in Delaware employ bilingual or English as a Second Language-certified teachers. This translates to only about 40% of multilingual learners having access to such educators within their schools.

Advocates argue that addressing these challenges is critical for the future of Delaware’s economy and community health. “Strong public education is the foundation for a strong economy,” Herdman emphasized. “If we’re not putting resources into the fastest-growing population of students, that’s a problem.”

Continued collaboration among lawmakers, educators, parents, and local advocates is essential for creating an educational environment that supports the diverse needs of all students. As the population of multilingual learners continues to grow, the urgency for adequate resources and support becomes increasingly vital.

This story was supported by a statehouse coverage grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, highlighting the importance of informed reporting on educational equity in Delaware.