Money could help Spanish-speaking students in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho—More than $ 1.4 million in federal grants has been awarded to train southern Idaho teachers so they can serve the area’s Spanish-speaking population.

The U.S. Department of Education awarded $ 667,000 to Boise State University and Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. Another $ 737,000 is going to Boise State and the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

The money will go to two four-year programs designed to encourage teaching aides already working in the Ontario area and the Magic Valley to earn associate’s degrees at the nearby community colleges.

They then would transfer to Boise State to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and bilingual-multicultural education.

“More bilingual teachers can help serve as role models to the growing Hispanic school-age population,” John Jensen, associate dean of Boise State’s College of Education, said Thursday. “It’s hoped that the scholarships will enable the teacher aides to receive additional training and return to their current schools.”

The Boise State-Treasure Valley Community College program provides scholarships for 36 students annually. Participants are required to complete their student teaching in the Ontario area, but graduates will have credentials to teach in both Idaho and Oregon.

The grant also covers training for teachers in the Ontario area who are not bilingually trained but provide educational services to Hispanic children.



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