Although the Illinois General Assembly rejected a request from the Illinois State Board of Education for $35 million to help districts support the needs of migrant students, federal money could make up for it, Chalkbeat reports.
School districts nationwide, particularly in certain “sanctuary” states, such as Maryland and Illinois, have seen an uptick in the enrollment of newcomer students who are children of migrants coming to the US from abroad. Last year, school officials asked the Illinois General Assembly to approve an additional $35 million to support these students in the fiscal year 2025 budget, but lawmakers said no.
Chalkbeat asked Illinois State Superintendent of Schools Tony Sanders what the plan was for supporting schools that serve an influx of migrant students.
“We approached the federal government last year and have been able to work to get about $10 million in school improvement funds set aside for the districts,” he said. “This last year, we were also able to provide about $25 million in a ‘Stronger Connections’ grant, a federal grant, to school districts that had a significant number of newcomer students. On top of those funds, school districts can use Title I and McKinney-Vento Funds to support newcomers.”
Why is this important?
Schools often require additional funding to support the needs of migrant students who are new to the US because:
Language Acquisition: Migrant students new to the US often have limited English proficiency. Schools need to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) or bilingual education programs to help these students acquire language skills, which require additional resources such as specialized teachers, instructional materials, and language assessment tools.
Academic Support and Tutoring: Many migrant students may have educational gaps due to school disruptions. Schools need funding to offer additional academic support, tutoring, and remedial programs to help these students catch up with their peers and succeed academically.
Social and Emotional Support: Migrant students may face challenges related to trauma, cultural adjustment, and separation from their home countries. Schools need to provide counseling, mental health services, and programs that support these students’ social and emotional well-being, which requires trained staff and resources.
Cultural Integration and Family Engagement: Schools often need to implement programs that promote cultural integration and engage migrant families in the educational process. This includes providing translation services, hiring cultural liaisons, and organizing community outreach efforts, all of which require additional funding.
Special Education Services: Some migrant students may have special educational needs that require individualized education plans (IEPs) and specialized instruction. Schools must allocate resources for special education services, which can be costly, especially when these needs are not immediately apparent upon a student’s arrival.
Transportation and Housing Assistance: Migrant families may have unstable housing situations, leading to the need for transportation services to ensure students can attend school regularly. Schools may also need to collaborate with local agencies to provide housing support, which can require additional funding.
Health Services: Migrant students may have unmet healthcare needs, including vaccinations, dental care, and general health assessments. Schools often need to coordinate with local health services to provide these necessities, which can require funding for health professionals and outreach programs.
Technology and Resources for Learning: Schools may need to provide devices, internet access, and digital literacy training for migrant students and their families. Ensuring equitable access to technology requires significant investment.
Professional Development for Educators: Teachers and staff may need specialized training to effectively support migrant students, including understanding their unique needs, cultural backgrounds, and best practices for instruction. Funding is required to provide ongoing professional development in these areas.
Overall, supporting the educational needs of migrant students involves a comprehensive approach that addresses academic, social, emotional, and logistical challenges, all of which require adequate funding.