WESTMINSTER : Vietnamese-Speaking Students to Get Help

The Westminster School District has received an $875,000 federal grant for a program designed to help Vietnamese-speaking students learn English faster.

The program, called Project MASTERS, or “Math and Science to Enrich Students’ Success,” will target Iva Meairs and L.P. Webber elementary schools. About 34% of the 1,000 students in those schools speak Vietnamese as a first language. Under the terms of the grant, the district will receive $175,000 a year for five years.

“We are thrilled that at this time, when California is in an educational crisis, that we are able to supplement the funding for the students and keep our children on the leading edge,” said Tracy Painter, who will coordinate the program.

Project MASTERS, modeled after another district program focusing on Latino students, will encourage students to learn English through an intensive hands-on science and math program. Studies show that students who do well in science and math are more likely to excel in other subjects, she said.

Classes will be taught in English, although when necessary Vietnamese-speaking students will be given explanations and other help in that language.

The program, which begins in September, will also stress parental involvement. Teachers will sponsor informal dinner gatherings for parents so they can hear about what their children are studying.