Charleston County, September 3, 2025

News Summary

In response to the attendance challenges faced by multilingual learners, the Charleston County School District is expanding its support services. The initiative aims to assist around 5,000 students, primarily from Spanish-speaking families, by providing resources such as bilingual parent advocates, an International Welcome Center, and a food pantry. Additionally, the district is focusing on building trust within the community to improve attendance and academic performance, addressing the concerns stemming from the current political climate.

Charleston County School District Expands Support Services for Multilingual Learners Amid Attendance Challenges

The Charleston County School District is enhancing its support services for multilingual learners, responding to the growing needs of this student population, which continues to face significant challenges in academic performance and attendance. The move comes as the district aims to address the needs of approximately 5,000 multilingual students, predominantly from Spanish-speaking families, some of whom have experienced declining attendance due to fears related to the current political climate.

The Department of Multilingual Services has taken vital steps to support multilingual families, including the opening of the International Welcome Center last year. This center has registered over 100 new students and provides essential resources, including assistance with school enrollment, documentation, and health services. The district also established a food pantry to offer necessities like canned goods, meats, eggs, and dry goods to families in need, as well as additional items such as blankets and first aid kits.

Additionally, the district has introduced bilingual parent advocates and hired more teachers specifically trained to better cater to the unique needs of these students. The active presence of bilingual advocates conducting home visits aims to strengthen the connection between families and schools, providing essential reassurance about school safety and their children’s education.

The Charleston County School District’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by multilingual learners is further supported by the implementation of the Weighted Student Funding Model, allowing for a more tailored approach to meet the diverse needs of students. School officials recognize that students tend to perform better when both they and their families feel adequately supported in their educational journey.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. R.B. Stall High School has the highest number of multilingual learners in South Carolina, with only 44% of students meeting proficiency targets this school year. Similarly, Pinehurst Elementary School has reported a concerning 25% proficiency rate among its multilingual learners, indicating progress that is still needed.

Attendance challenges persist, particularly in North Charleston, where the concentration of multilingual students is highest. Fear of immigration enforcement and safety concerns have resulted in increased absenteeism, leading the school district to actively engage with families to encourage attendance and foster trust within the community. The district employs six nationally certified interpreters, supporting communication and bolstering relationships between school staff and multilingual families.

The WIDA ACCESS exam results, which measure language proficiency, show a slight increase in performance, rising from 2.8% in 2024 to 9% in 2025. This improvement, albeit slow, reflects the ongoing efforts to increase language education support. The Charleston County School District emphasizes the importance of parental engagement, encouraging families to reach out to school staff for assistance regarding safety measures and educational resources for their children.

Key Statistics

• Multilingual students served: Approximately 5,000
• R.B. Stall High School: Highest number of multilingual learners in SC, 44% meeting proficiency
• Pinehurst Elementary: 25% proficiency among multilingual learners
• WIDA ACCESS improvement: From 2.8% to 9% in one year

Conclusion

As Charleston County School District expands its services for multilingual learners, the focus remains on overcoming educational barriers and building trust with families. This holistic approach aims not only to improve academic outcomes but also to provide vital support for the well-being of the community’s multilingual population.

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: Charleston County Schools Expand Multilingual Services
• Count on 2 News: Charleston County Schools See Spike in Hispanic Student Absences
• ABC News 4: CCSD Opens International Welcome Center
• Wikipedia: Multilingualism
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Multilingualism

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