Schools Tackle Language Learning ; More Enter with English Lacking

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Columbia Public Schools is preparing this fall for its largest number of students who call English their second language, reflecting the increase of immigrants seeking a new life here.

The situation has complications and benefits for the school district. A limited knowledge of English typically means students have a harder time in class and might need more school resources than other students. But the district also gains from the new cultures these students bring with them from their home countries, such as China, South Korea and Iraq.

"It also, without a doubt, puts a strain on the schools," said Dan Murphy, education coordinator at the Refugee and …