English learners are increasing
Arizona Republic
Feb. 22, 2007

MESA - The number of students classified as English-language learners in Mesa Public Schools has more than tripled over the past decade, impacting the way schools hire staff, train teachers and instruct students.

The number of English learners has climbed from 2,913 eight years ago to an estimated 9,109 this year, a rise of 213percent, according to records. At the same time, the school district's overall enrollment has slipped the past two years.

For each student classified English learner under state law, as deemed by a language-proficiency test, the district gets about $400 in state funding.
Attorneys are continuing to battle in federal court over whether the state provides adequate funding for the students. This year in Mesa, English learner enrollment is up by about 670, or 8 percent, over last year.