COLUMBUS - How to help Hispanic parents become more fluent in English is an area of focus for Columbus Public Schools.
CPS Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer said the school board has been working on finding ways to do that, but said there are some issues that block Hispanic parents from accomplishing that.
Those issues were discussed at a monthly meeting Thursday at El Tapatio. Hispanic parents, community members, and representatives from local businesses and organizations were at the meeting led by Hillyer.
The major focus of this meeting was English-as-a-second language classes and what steps need to be taken to get adults to attend those classes.
“What is preventing Hispanic adults from being fluent in their English skills?” Hillyer asked. In his opinion, lack of transportation to classes and day care availability for children are major hindrances. Others at the meeting said reasons could include conflicts with work schedules making it difficult to attend the classes, or lack of knowledge that such classes exist.
Rebecca Rayman, executive director of the East Central Health Department, said transportation is provided for a small fee for classes offered there. Despite that, about 40 percent of those enrolled in classes don't attend. Rayman said the lack of attendance problem might, in part, be a cultural difference with less emphasis being placed on schedules and calendars. Lower literacy levels also may mean enrollees are unable to read dates and times.
ESL classes are also available through the Platte Valley Literacy Association. Theresa Wachal, who is an educator with the association, said the major reason she sees for why people don't enroll in classes or stick with it comes down to that person's desire to learn the language.
“I think the key is determination,” Wachal said.
There are several different levels of ESL classes offered through the Platte Valley Literacy Association from the beginning level to more advanced. The organization also has partnered with Carneco, Behlen and Cargill Meat Solutions to offer on-site classes to employees.
No conclusions were reached at the meeting, but those in attendance said a better job of getting the word out about the availability of ESL classes would be beneficial. Hillyer suggested the school district could be of assistance for doing that.
The next meeting of the group will be at 9 a.m. on Feb. 16 at El Tapatio.
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