FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Fort Worth school officials are retooling the English as a Second Language program they offer refugee students from non-Spanish-speaking countries, because fewer such refugees are being sent to Tarrant County.

The refugee students mostly flee war, religious prejudice or persecution in their native countries.

For the past 25 years, the school district has provided English as a Second Language Services through a language center plan that sends students to central locations.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the district's ESL officials say that plans are underway to eliminate seven language facilities for elementary students that serve refugees and newcomers.

In early April, 161 elementary students were being taught at language centers, but the number is projected to fall to 53 next by school year.

Information from: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, http://www.star-telegram.com

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