Many Iowa schools need ESL funding, but not Ottumwa

This article is from Heartland Connection

Despite a growth in state funding, many Iowa school districts are seeking more help to cover the costs of teaching non-English speaking students.

The state's funding has grown by 40 percent, but several districts say that is not enough. That is not the case in Ottumwa, however.
The school district currently has a Hispanic population of around 10 percent, but only 250 students require extra language lessons. That is about 100 less than English as a second language, or ESL, students ten years ago.
The effective teaching model the district has in place is the cause. ESL students in Ottumwa spend as much time as possible in normal classes, and are only pulled out for special classes when needed.