A new study out of the Texas Education Agency shows Texas public schools have seen a huge increase in enrollment over the last decade.
Of the over 4 million schoolchildren, over half are now considered to be economically disadvantaged.
Here in Laredo there's no doubt that thousands of families fall at or below the poverty line but school district officials say the growing number of students in need also pose new challenges for teachers.
Over half of Texas public school children are poor.
The staggering number is ten percent higher than only a decade ago following what’s considered one of the largest student enrollment booms in the nation.
According to the Texas Education Agency, Texas public school enrollment has grown 20 percent to 4 point 7 million students in the last ten years alone.
“As you know we have a large influx of students every year so needs change and mandates change so the district is always adjusting accordingly,” says UISD spokesman Alex Meyer.
Here in Laredo, school districts fight to keep up with the needs of low-income students.
90 percent of the 26-thousand children enrolled at LISD are considered economically disadvantaged.
At UISD, 71 percent of students are in the same category.
“That would make about 28thousand students at UISD.”
Director for Student Services Elsa Arce says “it puts a lot of stress on teachers them being on the forefront.”
Posing bigger challenges for teachers like making sure low-income students meet state standards.
At school teachers will of course make sure students are paying attention and learning as much as they can ... but at home ... educators say children may not always have the right tools.
“What’s gona happen what kind of learning will happen at home many times it doesn’t
Its difficult I’m sure for the parents as well.”
School district officials say with more kids less prepared to do well in school ... its critical that teachers toughen up.
“Is it challenging? Yes it is but I think we are doing well.”
School officials say they continue adjusting their meal programs and tutoring programs to help keep up with students need.
They say they will continue providing assistance as well as they can ...no matter how frequently that need changes.