Bethel School District earns state grant for English language learners

The Bethel School District will receive $50,000 in each of two years to help boost the academic performance of their English language learners (ELLs) through dual language programs in Spanish and English.

In dual language programs, concepts and information are introduced in the primary language and reinforced in the second language.

The money comes from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), which awarded competitive grants to five school districts.

Along with the Spanaway-based Bethel district, the Bellevue School District also received a grant of $20,000 for each of two years to serve as a mentor to Bethel.

Funds will be spent on instructional coaching, professional development, supplemental materials, program evaluation and recruitment of bilingual teachers. OSPI facilitated the grant process and will collaborate with the districts as they implement their programs. OSPI will also study the academic impact of the dual language programs.

This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Bethel School District earns state grant for English language learners."