CONROE, Texas – Parents and community members rally after hearing rumors about the possible discontinuation of the dual language program in Conroe ISD.
Background and Impact of the Program
The dual language program in Conroe ISD has been a key educational initiative that promotes bilingualism by pairing Spanish-speaking students with English-speaking students. The program benefits families by fostering cultural exchange and language skills. Parents, like Ryan, whose children have thrived in the program, have seen positive academic and social results.
“This program has been amazing for our family,” says Ryan, a parent of two children in the program. “Our children get to experience a rich diversity of cultures and form lasting friendships, while also becoming bilingual.”
The Concerns
Recently, rumors about the program’s possible removal began circulating when the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees published an agenda item mentioning the discontinuation of the program. Parents, like Maria, were alarmed when they found out through informal channels rather than direct communication from the school district.
Maria shared, “We were not informed about this change. It was upsetting to hear about the program’s possible end without having a chance to discuss it or understand the reasons behind it.”
The Benefits of Dual Language Education
The dual language program has provided several benefits to students and the community, including:
- Bilingualism, which enhances students’ lifelong earning potential.
- Cultural engagement through community events.
- Improved academic performance, with many students advancing to gifted and talented programs.
Mike, another parent, explains, “It’s not just about learning a second language. It’s about learning how to learn and becoming better problem solvers.”
The Financial Debate
While the district claims that removing the program would save $1.2 million, parents have questioned the accuracy of these numbers, arguing that the real financial impact may be much smaller. Mike, who started an online petition, says, “The numbers don’t add up. There’s more to this decision, and we need transparency.”
Community Response
In response to the potential program cuts, parents have launched petitions and mobilized to protect the program. Within hours, Mike’s petition garnered over 1,200 signatures. He believes the district’s decision lacks proper community input, stating, “There’s been no communication with parents or teachers. We need a voice in decisions that impact our children’s future.”
A Call for Transparency
Parents are calling for greater transparency from Conroe ISD’s board. Maria advocates for a more inclusive decision-making process: “We want to know why this program is being canceled and how the decision was made without input from the families directly impacted by it.”
Looking Forward
As the community prepares to take action, the future of the dual language program remains uncertain. Parents and community members hope the district will reconsider its decision and prioritize the educational needs of all students.
Conroe ISD’s Statement on Dual Language Program
Conroe ISD provided insight into the decision to reconsider the continuation of its Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Program. The district explained the program’s structure and the challenges it faces:
“Conroe ISD’s Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Program, an enrichment offering, is currently available at seven campuses across the district. This version of a Dual Language Program establishes classroom cohorts in kindergarten that are comprised 50% of students who speak English as a first language and 50% of students who speak Spanish as a first language. These students learn not only academic content but also become fluent in both languages as they progress through the elementary grades. Over the years, district administration has made several adjustments in an attempt to increase this program’s overall success and participation. However, enrollment continues to decline beginning in the third grade.
In analyzing staffing issues directly and indirectly related to the Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Program, there has been an increased number of vacancies for bilingual teachers across the district that go unfilled or filled with emergency-permitted teachers. Because the Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Program requires more bilingual staff, these teachers could fill some of those bilingual teacher vacancies. Due to these reasons and the potential to save $1.2 million as we work toward achieving a balanced budget, district administration has made the difficult decision to recommend sunsetting the program.”
