Achievement gap high between native-born, foreign-born adults

New census survey data shows that Utah is No. 1 among the states for how many of its native-U.S. adults have completed high school: 92.9 percent. But Utah is a low No. 35 for how many foreign-born adult residents have such a degree: just 68 percent.

Why the big difference — from 92.9 percent to 68 percent, and No. 1 to No. 35 — between being native or foreign-born for those over age 25?

"If language is a barrier, you can't learn as much as you would if you have familiarity with the language," said Brenda Hales, associate state superintendent of schools. "Utah is becoming more diverse. We need to step up to the challenge and help students become fully prepared members of the state."

As an example of such steps, the Park City School District, which has a high number of English Language Learner students, is now requiring its new teachers to earn their English as a Second Language endorsement within three years of being hired.

Hales said helping non-English speaking kids learn the language is one of the biggest challenges in the state's schools. "We are very focused on helping our English Language Learner students," she said. "They need English to succeed."

She added that the students need "teachers who are trained in language development and more fine-tuned instruction."

As the state is looking at budget cuts, Hales said now is a bad time to ax money for ELL programs. "We are very worried about funding getting pulled," she said.

Data earlier released from the American Community Survey for 2005-07 by the Census Bureau estimates that 13.9 percent of Utahns speak a language other than English at home (which is lower than the national average of 19.5 percent). It also estimates that 8 percent of Utahns are foreign-born, compared to a national average of 12.5 percent.

The census last year forecast that minorities — Hispanics, blacks, Asians, Pacific Islanders and others — as a group will form the new majority in America within 33 years. In just 15 years, they will form the majority among children.

The newest data about educational attainment was released Wednesday and looks at adults older than age 25. For it, the Census Bureau combined data from its American Community Survey and the Current Population Survey.

It also showed an achievement gap when it comes to college education for native-born and foreign-born adults in Utah.