Delaware's Multilingual Learners Surge to 13%, Outpacing Funding and Teacher Support

Delaware's multilingual learner population is booming, but funding and teacher support are struggling to keep pace. Advocates urge investment in these students for Delaware's future.

, and Administrator

2025 October 14 . 8:04 AM

1 min read

This picture contains a paper in which some text is printed in a different language. We even see... — This picture contains a paper in which some text is printed in a different language. We even see two men are standing in the picture. This picture might be taken from the textbook.

Delaware's Multilingual Learners Surge to 13%, Outpacing Funding and Teacher Support

Delaware's multilingual learner (MLL) student population is growing, now at 13% and speaking over 100 languages. Yet, Delaware lags in funding for student loans, with only $1,100 per MLL student compared to $6,000 to $9,000 in neighboring states. The Department of Education is working to increase educator support, but only 34 out of 227 schools have bilingual or ESL-certified teachers, serving just 40% of MLL students.

The growth in MLLs is not confined to New Castle County; Kent and Sussex counties are also seeing increases. Despite this, Delaware's funding for student loans is significantly lower than neighboring states. Maria Rodriguez, an education associate, highlights the brain benefits and asset bilingualism brings to schools. Advocates stress investing in student loans for Delaware's future economy and communities.

Rodel, an education advocacy nonprofit, has released a fact sheet tracking MLL growth, needs, and supports. The state's 1940 school funding formula is under review to better reflect today's diverse student population and needs.

Delaware is addressing the growing MLL population and teacher shortage through professional development and training. Modernizing the school funding formula is underway to better serve today's diverse students. Stakeholders are urged to support initiatives promoting adult education, lifelong learning, and workforce skills development to ensure Delaware's educational system keeps pace with its evolving student population.