In Nevada’s public schools, 14% of the students are English language learners
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) are renewing their fight to address the shortage of teachers certified to teach English language learners (ELLs) and better support ELL students. Their bipartisan Reaching English Learners Act would create a competitive grant program to fund partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-need school districts to create job training programs for the next generation of EL educators.
“I’ve heard directly from Nevada teachers who work with students learning English about the need to do more to ensure that all young Nevadans can get a strong public education, regardless of the language they speak with the tools and support they need to effectively teach these students,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “My bipartisan legislation will help train more ELL teachers and give them the resources they need to help kids thrive.”
“With a state as diverse as Texas, it’s absolutely critical that our educators are equipped to meet the needs of all Texans, but particularly those who face the extra challenge of learning English in addition to their studies,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation will ensure that teachers have the tools and expertise to empower English learners with the skills they need to succeed alongside their peers, and I’m proud to join Sen. Cortez Masto in introducing this crucial bill.”
Approximately 14% of Nevada’s public school students are ELs. Spanish is the primary language for most EL students in Nevada, but other languages are also prevalent—such as Tagalog, Chinese, and Vietnamese. ELL teacher shortages in 32 states, including Nevada, leaves thousands of schools struggling to meet the needs of this growing population.
Specifically, the bipartisan Reaching English Learners Act’s grant program requires colleges and universities to partner with public schools to provide training for future instructors to:
- Help ELL students succeed in K-12 public education.
- Address social and emotional needs of ELL students.
- Identify and appropriately teach ELL students with disabilities.
- Promote family and community involvement in ELL education.
This bipartisan bill has been endorsed by Nevada State Education Association and UnidosUS.
Senator Cortez Masto has delivered critical support to students and schools across Nevada. She has secured $950,000 to help Clark County School District better support students recovering from substance abuse and mental health struggles. Cortez Masto’s provision to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law. In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included three of Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to improve schools. These bills improve transportation safety for students, increase access to internet for both rural and urban schools, and improve school air quality.
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