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Equitable Access to Educational Resources for New Arrivals in Chicago
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district has recently welcomed over 5,700 newly arrived immigrant students since the beginning of the school year.
Such a rapid influx has contributed to an overall enrollment increase of 4,500 students, marking a stabilization in CPS enrollment after more than a decade of decline. Growth at this pace, particularly among English language learners, underscores the critical need for equitable access to educational resources, especially in Spanish and English, for new arrivals.
The Importance of Equitable Access
For newly arrived immigrant students, many of whom may not speak English as their first language, providing resources in both Spanish and English is essential for their academic success and overall well-being. Taking a strong dual-language approach helps bridge the gap between their previous educational experiences and the new curriculum they are encountering. Equitable access to educational resources ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed.
CPS has recognized the importance of this by allocating $8 million to schools that have seen increases in English learners. Funding like this aims to support the acquisition of necessary bilingual staff…
