Workforce Language Services

Though only 3% of Baton Rouge children are Hispanic, that’s almost double the pre-Katrina percentage.  School bus drivers are responding to the language barrier by taking Spanish classes so they can communicate with children and their parents. 

While many of the drivers spoken about in an online Louisiana periodical are pleased that learning Spanish opens their horizons, they’ve got the immediate gratification of being able to communicate their message to their small riders.

Both said they are excited to learn how to speak some Spanish as a way to broaden their overall knowledge, but their immediate concern is about trying to communicate with their often unruly student riders. Lee rattled off the Spanish phrases she wants to know right away.

“Sit down, sit down right now,” Lee said, laughing. “Be quiet. I’m calling your parents. Put that down there. This is my last warning.”

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