Virginia schools approved new staffing model for English learner support
March 14, 2025 | WILLIAMSBURG-JAMES CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia
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During the meeting, officials discussed the importance of ongoing investment in resources and staff training to cater to the diverse needs of students at various language proficiency levels. Notably, Level 1 and Level 2 students, who represent approximately 47% of the total English learner enrollment, require tailored instructional strategies. Level 1 students are primarily newcomers with minimal English skills, while Level 2 students are beginning to develop their language acquisition.
The Language Instruction Educational Program (LEAP) was initially staffed according to a guideline from the Virginia Department of Education, which recommended one LEAP teacher for every 50 English learner students. However, a new staffing model approved by the Virginia General Assembly in May 2024 shifts this approach to one based on actual need. For the fiscal year 2025, the WJCC Schools had 22 LEAP teacher allocations. With the new model set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, the district will need to increase its LEAP teacher count to 31.09 to comply with the standards of quality.
This meeting underscored the district's commitment to ensuring that all students receive the necessary resources to succeed throughout their K-12 education, particularly as the population of English learners continues to grow. The discussions will likely lead to further actions aimed at enhancing support for these students in the coming years.
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