Hispanic enrollment grows in Montgomery County

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s fastest-growing school district says Hispanic students make up the largest racial group in its kindergarten class for the third year in a row.

Montgomery County school planners tell The Washington Post (http://wapo.st/1vFEuka ) the growth in Hispanic students is likely to continue.

According to September enrollment figures, Hispanic children account for 32 percent of kindergarteners. Enrollment figures show 29 percent of kindergarten students are white, 20 percent are black and 13 percent are Asian.

The numbers draw questions about how schools are responding.

Superintendent Joshua Starr says the district is committed to diversifying its workforce. He says school leaders have increased their community engagement and invested more in programs for students learning English.

Researchers say the shift reflects the rapid growth of the Hispanic population across the Washington area.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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