By Alabama Public Radio
Tuscaloosa AL – There was an 11% increase in the number of Hispanic students in Alabama public schools for 2006-2007. The rising numbers have prompted some school systems to launch summer programs aimed at helping those students be productive in the classroom. In 2005-2006, there were 20,386 Hispanic students enrolled in the state's school districts. In 2006-2007, that number increased to 23,219.
Hispanics also make up more than 3% of Alabama's overall K-12 enrollment of 739,760. However, some north Alabama systems are seeing much higher numbers.
At DeKalb County's Crossville Elementary School, around 50% of the nearly 900 students in 2006-07 are Hispanic. Also, most of the children who early enrolled for next year's kindergarten are Hispanic.
In Blount County, Hispanics totaled 9 percent of the overall enrollment in the just- ended school year. Assistant School Superintendent Rodney Green says more Hispanics students are expected in the fall.
At Albertville, around 27% of the city's students are Hispanic, up 1% from last year.