schools
FWISD is changing how it teaches English learners. Parents ask for details
By Matthew Sgroi at Fort Worth Report
· July 8, 2026
· 11 min read
Andrew Garcia has been in the United States for about six months. His mother, Liz Orozco, said the 14-year-old started reading and understanding more English at Fort Worth ISD’s International Newcomer Academy. But speaking his second language in the classroom and following a teacher’s directions rem
Key takeaway His mother, Liz Orozco, said the 14-year-old started reading and understanding more English at Fort Worth ISD’s International Newcomer Academy.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The redesign of language services in Fort Worth ISD will have significant implications for the district's ability to support its growing population of emergent bilingual students. As the number of immigrant students in FWISD has more than doubled in the past five years, the need for effective language support has become increasingly pressing. The closure of the International Newcomer Academy and the shift towards decentralized language support will require careful planning and coordination to ensure that students like Andrew Garcia receive the help they need to succeed. With 42% of the district's enrollment comprising emergent bilingual students, the success of this redesign will have a major impact on the educational outcomes of nearly half of FWISD's students. The district's ability to attract and retain bilingual teachers will be crucial in this effort, particularly given the current decline in staffing numbers.
About this story
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Category: schools ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 11 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Andrew Garcia has been in the United States for about six months. His mother, Liz Orozco, said the 14-year-old started reading and understanding more English at Fort Worth ISD’s International Newcomer Academy. But speaking his second language in the classroom and following a teacher’s directions rem
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Sgroi at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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