MSCS non-compliant with ESL student-teacher ratios. What can be done? | The Education Notebook
By: Brooke Muckerman
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has had an influx of English as a second language students enrolling in recent years.
According to MSCS school board documents, enrollment of students who speak English as a second language has surged by more than 3,222 students since 2021. The district serves over 12,000 ESL students in 200 different schools, according to the district’s website. Recently, the MSCS board of education had to accept and submit to a Local Education Agency Compliance Report, which found non-compliance in their staffing of ESL programs.
Because of the rise in enrollment and the need to address students’ needs, according to the board documents, MSCS has “inadequate staffing,” for the ratio needed to serve their ESL student population.
“Currently, the required 35:1 student-to-teacher ratio is challenging to meet across all of our schools without significant compromises to the quality and consistency of support services our (English language learner) students require. Our district’s unique geographic and demographic profile adds complexity to staffing, with student needs varying greatly across different neighborhoods and schools,” board documents said. “By temporarily adjusting our staffing ratio to 38:1, we can strategically place available resources where they are most needed and ensure continuity in our instructional programs, while we work diligently to fill the remaining vacancies.”
Mauricio Calvo, a former school board member and president of Latino Memphis, said that while there has been an influx of ESL student learners and the nationwide teacher shortage persists ― this isn’t something new.
“I would push back against the idea of seeing this as a problem, right…(it) shouldn’t be seen as, like, ‘Oh my God,’ Like, almost like blaming the influx, they have had time,” Calvo said. “When I was there, I didn’t see anybody, really going out of the way to be creative on finding better solutions…I feel that very well intended (people were) for very much status quo. This is the way we have always done it, (and) this is the way we are always going to continue to do it.”
MSCS cited the rise in immigration to the Memphis area as a reason for non-compliance. The Memphis Latino population has been growing for years now, and Calvo said the need for an increase in ESL instructors should not come as a surprise.
“The Latino community grew by 43% in Memphis, Asian communities (grew) 34%, African American community and the white community decreased (statewide). So if they are looking at those numbers, they should be thinking, OK, these parents, even if these children are native-born, newborn children, they’re going to need ESL services, especially early on,” Calvo said.
The district is applying for an ESL waiver from the Tennessee Department of Education to adjust the staffing ratio they use. MSCS noted they would recruit more teachers with ESL certifications and promote collaborations with Union University to support certified teachers obtaining ESL endorsements who will teach within the district for three years.
“We are confident that with this temporary waiver, MSCS will be better positioned to provide comprehensive ESL services to all of our English Learners,” the report noted.
There are over 300 vacancies in teaching positions within MSCS. Information regarding how many ESL-certified teachers are needed was not immediately available.
Calvo said that having support for families with ESL students should also be paramount for addressing students’ needs. Supports like translators for parent-teacher conferences or liaisons that work with students’ families and their teachers to help cross both language and cultural barriers.
MSCS declined to answer questions from The Commercial Appeal regarding the current ESL student population within its schools, how many ESL-certified teachers they plan on hiring and how many ESL teachers are within the district.
Things happening this week and next
MSCS students will leave for holiday break on Dec. 20. Students will be back in the classroom for the new year starting Jan. 6.
Commencement for December graduates at the University of Memphis will be on Dec. 15 at FedExForum. For more information about U of M commencement please visit the university’s website.
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