This city has more English learners than ever, but they often struggle to graduate. Here’s what could help.

Even with English as a second language classes and newcomer programs, students often need more help, several English as a second language teachers told Chalkbeat. Advocates: High school English learners need more flexibilityAcross the country, English learners are less likely to graduate than their peers, though some studies have found that those who attain English proficiency before high school outperform their peers who are native English speakers. “It’s a long-term narrative that English learners are struggling, and often they’re referred to as if they’re perpetually struggling,” Kieffer said. He said it’s important to remember that some English learners’ success isn’t captured in data focused solely on high school. It also offers English as a second language classes and support programs for English learners in several other neighborhood high schools.