Hispanics lead rise on Utah's school rolls

Utah's public school enrollment increased 2.5 percent from last fall, according to preliminary numbers released Thursday by the state office of education.

Hispanics account for much of that growth, recording more than a 6 percent increase.

In fall 2007, there were 537,653 students in Utah's public schools. This fall, education officials counted 551,013 students for a 2.5 percent increase, or 13,360 more children.

Last year state officials predicted a 2.4 percent increase, or 12,880 more kids, for fall 2008.

Enrollment totals include students attending charter schools, which grew at a much higher rate than regular schools. In fall 2007, there were 22,196 charter-school students, compared with 27,369 this year, an increase of 5,173 students or 23.3 percent.

In 2007 the state had 74,653 Hispanic students. This fall there are 79,400 Hispanic students in Utah schools — 4,747 more than last year, for a 6.4 percent increase.

Recognizing that Spanish is the primary language for many Hispanic students, some schools and districts offer programs to help them improve their English skills.

Granite School District has what it calls Newcomer Academy for students of any ethnicity who speak little or no English. The students attend classes all day at a central site. They leave the class as soon as they have a basic grasp of the language — whether it takes them a couple months or a year.

Granite's Hispanic student population rose from 18,595 to 20,016, or 7 percent.

There are about 70 students currently in the academy.

"It's a transitional program with intense English language immersion," said Linda Mariotti, Granite district assistant superintendent of instructional services.

Provo School District just received a $220,000 state literacy grant to be used over three years. The funding is for the district's English Language Learner program to implement family literacy centers. These sites will provide a place for families to go to improve their reading skills.

Provo District rose from 3,383 to 3,518, or 3.8 percent. Provo officials said the district's Hispanic population has been gradually increasing for years.

District leaders encourage Hispanic parents to join the PTA, be on the community council and volunteer in the schools.

"All of our schools are really interested in making sure Hispanic families feel they are part of the school community," said Julene Kendell, Provo district ESL specialist.

Overall, Utah's Hispanic population remains in a growth pattern. The state now has 306,500 Hispanics, which is almost 12 percent of the state population. The Latino population grew 52 percent between 2000 and 2007 in Utah, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Students are counted every Oct. 1. This year's numbers have been compiled, are being double-checked and will be finalized by Nov. 1.

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