Ana Lopez arrived in Wichita from northern Mexico, knowing only a few English words.
Unable to talk with classmates or understand her teachers, she started out at Curtis Middle School feeling shy, nervous and frightened. Then, Wichita Public Schools placed her in an intensive language class with only one other English learner.
“My teacher,” Lopez said, “was able to pick up on my struggles quickly — how I wasn’t able to pronounce certain letters, where my challenges came from.”
She said the program made a lasting impact on her life.
“It’s so important to teach students early on,” Lopez said, “so they can have all the skills that they need.”
Wichita Public Schools places students still learning English in up to two years of intensive English learning classes. Throughout the program, students are tested to see if they are ready for a regular classroom and won’t be left sitting at a desk unable to understand lessons.
This year, Wichita Public Schools expanded English learning classes to all elementary schools to better serve the growing number of students who don’t speak English at home. The district plans to expand classes to all middle and high schools next year.