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Michigan increased funding for English learners by $12.5 million. Advocates say a big gap persists.

chalkbeat.org · 23h · first reportShare

Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy. This year, Michigan lawmakers increased state funding for English language learners by $12.5 million — but not all such students will benefit. Michigan does not provide school districts with additional funding for students who are nearly proficient in English, even though state and federal law require that districts provide services to those students. Of 49 states that fund ELL services, researchers say only Michigan excludes some students from its funding formula. Students who are approaching proficiency in English are often conversational, but may still struggle academically without additional support. Michigan’s funding gap can make it difficult to provide instruction that would allow such students to transition out of English learner programs, according to advocates, teachers, and school leaders. “It has to do with language complexity, but it also has to do