Escambia gets $50K to support growing pool of students learning English as 2nd language

By Mary Lett 

Escambia County school district teachers will have the opportunity to hone their English as a Second Language (ESOL) skills thanks to a Title III grant.

Escambia County is one of 14 Florida school districts to receive an ESOL grant from Title III funding. The one-time Title III Part A: English Language Acquisition grants – ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 – were awarded to school districts that have an increase in non-English speaking students.

In Escambia County School District, about 1,300 English Language Learners (ELL) have enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year so far.

“We were approaching 800 kids three years ago,” said Ramona Wright, the district’s ESOL teacher on special assignment. “Last year, we had 1,200 ELL by the end of the year, because we grew throughout the school year. This year, we’re already at 1,300 and are still growing.”

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the district had more than 850 ELL students. During the 2021-2022, the district had 735 ELL students.

Grant funds will be used to for teachers to enroll in training that will enhance their skills, knowledge and effectiveness.

“Our educators can enroll in some professional learning modules online. We will also have a consultant come and work face-to-face with teachers,” Wright said. “I think our teachers already do a great job taking the students from where they are to English language acquisition, as well as meeting the academic standards and requirements for promotion and or graduation.”