Transcript Staff Writer

The Hispanic population has increased throughout the public school system, according to findings released by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Last week, the State Department of Education issued a press release that indicated a record number of 641,721 students were enrolled in Oklahoma public schools on Oct. 1. Hispanic children accounted for 10 percent of the student population. The figure jumped from 4.5 percent, recorded in October 1997.

In Cleveland County, the number of Hispanic children attending public school has risen as well in the same period, according to area school districts.

As of Oct. 1, 2007, statistics showed 13,720 students were enrolled in Norman Public Schools. The majority of those attending class in the district are Caucasian and account for 71.23 of the population. The number of Hispanic children climbed to 6.67 percent compared to 6.41 percent recorded a year earlier.

Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano said the district reflects the changing demographics in the community.

"We are a more diverse school district and it should be celebrated," he said.

Siano said the English Language Learner (ELL) program is one of several resources NPS has used to help ethnic students adapt to their new surroundings. ELL focuses on those who meet criteria and enhances their language skills.

"Forty-eight languages are spoken in the district," he said.

Siano said he views cultural diversity as a strength, and knows NPS' close proximity to the University of Oklahoma plays a role. Cultural and language barriers can exist, but using the proper resoucres and programs can help overcome the challenges.

Moore Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Arato said the only ethnic group that rose in population from the 2006-07 school year through now was Hispanic. White, black and Asian populations showed no changes and American Indian students dropped from 14 percent to 12 percent.

"We have seen an increase in the Hispanic population," the superintendent said.

Arato said MPS employees are doing their best to accommodate students' needs and implement the ELL program.

"You have to really work with youngsters over time until their language skills increase," Arato said.

She said teachers are dedicated to teaching all children and they know it takes an extra effort when there are barriers.

"They are willing to do it; they want them to succeed no matter what," she said.

Arato said educators who teach in the district are aware it takes time and plenty of patience for children to learn another language.

"We want to make sure kids' needs are met no matter what that need is," she said.

The Hispanic population has decreased slightly for Noble Public Schools, according to the State Department of Education's demographics. As of Oct. 1, 2007, there were 2,811 students and 3.8 percent of them were Hispanic.

Noble Public Schools Superintendent Greg Kasbaum said according to 2006-2007 ethnicity statistics, 86 percent of 2,800 students were Caucasian. Hispanic children contributed to 4 percent of the student population.

Kasbaum said he found data for the 1995-1996 school year that showed of the 2,500 children enrolled in the school system, only 2 percent were Hispanic. The number has nearly doubled in 11 years.

"We have seen a growth in our Hispanic population over the last few years," he said.

Kasbaum was named superintendent two years ago. He said he expects the district will continue to grow in size as time progresses.

In McClain County, Purcell Public Schools' Hispanic population has remained higher in the past two years than the state's current record of 10 percent.

The State Department of Education's figures revealed 1,423 were enrolled in Purcell Public Schools Oct. 1, 2007. Fifty-seven percent were Caucasian and 17 percent were Hispanic.

A representative from Superintendent Dr. Tony Christian's office said for the same date in 2006, 18 percent Hispanic children were counted for in the district. The percentage of Caucasian students saw no change.

Christian declined comment for the article.

According to the State Department of Education, numbers of Asian and Black students also have increased in the past decade. The American Indian population has stabilized.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com