Charleston County Schools Aim to Enhance Support for Bilingual Students
Charleston, S.C. — The Charleston County School District has announced plans to hire 40 new bilingual teaching assistants to improve the educational experience for its bilingual students. This initiative was revealed by Superintendent Anita Huggins on Tuesday during a visit to Pinehurst Elementary School. The district aims to address the needs of students who come from homes where a language other than English is spoken.
Highlighting the Need
At Pinehurst Elementary, an impressive 78% of students speak a different language at home. Recognizing the growing number of bilingual students, the Charleston County school board is committed to meeting the educational needs of all students. “Our teams are focused on long- and short-term strategies to make a difference,” Huggins stated, emphasizing the urgency of hiring 45 bilingual teaching assistants to support students in classrooms across the district.
Current Progress and Support Systems
Pinehurst Elementary has made significant strides over the past two years. The teaching assistants currently employed are part of a residency program that allows them to work alongside two teachers, ensuring comprehensive support for students. One experienced teacher collaborates with Clemson University to earn South Carolina teaching credentials, while a novice teacher pursues a master’s degree.
The current performance rating for Pinehurst is average, yet school leaders report that they are on the brink of achieving “good” status. Funding for the co-teaching initiative comes from the Weighted Student Funding (WSF) model, which has also facilitated the hiring of bilingual guidance counselors to further support the diverse student body.
Impact on Academic Achievement
Pinehurst’s principal, Paul Pallagi, expressed optimism about the school’s growth and academic success. “With the partnership at Clemson and our dedicated staff, we are meeting our students’ needs, which has helped us improve our school report card,” he noted. The school is now just one point away from being rated “good,” and Pallagi highlighted the remarkable progress in academic achievement among students.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, the Charleston County School District is determined to enhance its support for bilingual students further. By increasing the number of bilingual teaching assistants, the district believes it can provide a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The district’s efforts align with their overall goal of ensuring that 100% of their students receive the necessary support to thrive academically.
As efforts continue to bridge language barriers and support bilingual education, the Charleston County School District sets a positive example for school districts nationwide. With targeted hiring and collaborative partnerships, they are paving the way for a brighter future for their diverse student population.
