I went to a local elementary school last week to do a demonstration for "western day". Of the 6 classes of 1st graders, totaling 150 kids, that I spoke with, 75 of them (50%) were enrolled as ESL (English second language). The teachers had to function as translators.
Here's some interesting reading, based on the US Census for Deer Park, TX (location of the above mentioned school)
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 28,520 people, 9,615 households, and 7,941 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,752.7 people per square mile (1,062.9/km²). There were 9,921 housing units at an average density of 957.6 per square mile (369.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.01% White, 1.31% African American, 0.41% Native American, 1.13% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 5.25% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.22% of the population.
A few more numbers to chew on.
While some elementary schools in Deer Park have as many as 54% of the kids on free or reduced lunch, the district average is 37%
The median income for a household in the city was $61,334, and the median income for a family was $66,516. Males had a median income of $50,867 versus $30,926 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,440. About 4.0% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.
The part that I have trouble grasping, is this.... If only ~5% of the population is below the poverty line, why is it that 37% get free or reduced lunch?
And if only 15.22% of the registered population is Hispanic or Latino,why is it that 50% of the first grade class is enrolled in ESL?
Now I realize that the numbers above may not be concrete evidence of the parents being here illegally, they sure make you wonder....
