JISD reports 1,698 English‑learner students; district says it outperforms state on STAAR

Dr. Amber Bradshaw‑Wooten presented Jacksonville ISD’s annual English Learner (EL) district report during the board’s Oct. 21 meeting, saying the district serves 1,698 EL/EB students—about 36% of enrollment—and represents nine languages, including Spanish, Cambodian, Mandarin, German, Filipino, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Polish and Thai.

“We outperform the State on STAAR in several different areas from 3rd grade to high school,” Dr. Bradshaw‑Wooten told trustees while summarizing student outcomes and program initiatives. The report said 146 students were reclassified in the 2023–24 school year; 121 students requested reclassification, and 63% improved in writing and/or speaking. The minutes note an additional 29 reclassifications attributed to available resources.

The presentation outlined accelerated language pathways and credit opportunities: fifth‑grade students earn Spanish I LOTE high‑school credit, sixth‑graders receive Spanish II, seventh‑graders Spanish III, and eighth‑grade students can take Spanish IV (AP Language) and sit for the AP Language exam. Staffing figures in the report list 75 certified ESL teachers, 37 bilingual teachers, and three staff working toward certifications at Nichols Intermediate.

The presentation was provided as information to the board; the minutes record no formal action tied to the report. The attendance and staffing figures and the reclassification counts were the primary data points trustees received during the discussion.