Ariz. bilingual ed funding falls far short, study says

Ariz. bilingual ed funding falls far short, study says

Tucson, Arizona Thursday, 11 January 2001
By Howard Fischer
CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
http://www.azstarnet.com/star/today/10111bilingualtwo.html

PHOENIX - Arizona needs to increase spending to teach students from non-English-speaking homes by a budget-busting factor of 10, to $191 million a year, according to a study released yesterday.

The report, prepared by Senate Democratic staff, concluded that the $150 per student the state now provides for various programs does not begin to meet the need.

The real figure, according to the study, is $1,527 for each of the approximately 120,000 students with limited English skills. The extra costs would include reducing class sizes and hiring more aides.

Supporters of increased funding hope to persuade a federal judge to use the report to force Arizona lawmakers to appropriate the additional money. That is because the state Department of Education has not performed its own cost study.

Tim Hogan, who represents parents who sued, said the next step is up to the Legislature: If lawmakers don't pony up the money, he will ask for a judge's order. Hogan said the judge can force the Legislature's hand by blocking all federal aid to the state.

Parents of students in the Nogales Unified School District filed suit nine years ago charging that the state was not complying with federal laws requiring schools to offer adequate English-language instruction. U.S. District Court Judge Alfredo Marquez ruled last year the $150 figure is "arbitrary and capricious."

Hogan said voter approval of Proposition 203 in November virtually outlawing bilingual education programs does not change anything because Marquez found the state in violation of federal laws. Hogan said the type of instruction, whether bilingual or English immersion mandated under Proposition 203, is irrelevant.

Marquez did not order the Legislature to spend a specific amount but instead directed the state to provide adequate funding.