Assistant Superintendent Shawna Spriggs discusses ESOL initiative in Little Rock schools

The Little Rock School District held a personnel hearing on April 28, 2025, focusing on the role and responsibilities of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) partners within the district. The meeting began with technical difficulties regarding microphone volume, which were addressed by the attendees.

Shawna Spriggs Loring, the Assistant Superintendent, was called to provide insights into the ESOL program. She confirmed her previous role as principal at Taylor Elementary in the Jacksonville School District and her current position in the Little Rock School District. Loring explained the function of ESOL partners, a relatively new position established to support English language learners and facilitate communication between district schools and the ESOL department.

As of September 2024, the Little Rock School District had two ESOL partners: Dr. Felicia Dodson and Dr. Yang. Loring clarified that Dr. Dodson serves the secondary schools, which include both middle and high schools. She noted that there are a total of 12 secondary schools in the district.

The discussion highlighted the responsibilities of the ESOL partners, particularly in assisting teachers who instruct students whose primary language is Spanish. The goal of the program is to help these students transition to English as their primary language, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed academically.

The meeting concluded with a clear understanding of the ESOL program's structure and objectives, emphasizing the district's commitment to supporting English language learners. Further discussions on the implementation and effectiveness of these roles are anticipated in future meetings.