December 1998 Book Explores the Needs of Immigrant Students
A new publication from NWREL’s Equity Center takes an indepth look at immigration in the region and explores how educators can tailor teaching practices to meet the needs of immigrant students.
Immigration over the past 25 years has brought diversity and change to communities and schools. Improving Education for Immigrant Students: A Guide for K-12 Educators in the Northwest and Alaska describes the history of U.S. immigration and the current reality for the most numerously represented immigrant groups in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to help teachers gain a better understanding of the immigrant experience. The immigrant groups most common in these states include Canadians, Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, Mexicans, Vietnamese, and those from the Former Soviet Union.
While the ethnic profile of newcomers varies state by state, the educational profile of recent immigration is the same: rapidly changing demographics in schools and communities, with K-12 educators consequently facing both challenges and opportunities.
The challenges involved in working with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures may often seem overwhelming, but researchers have identified strategies that help teachers better serve all students. These include:
• Improving communication with immigrant students so they can learn more effectively
• Understanding the needs of each immigrant child so each one can develop his or her own potential
• Fostering English-language development
• Helping families get involved with the school so they can reinforce learning at home
• Involving all families in developing a multicultural perspective that builds self-esteem by recognizing the cultures of all students in the classroom
• Being sensitive to the fears and insecurities of undocumented students and the issues surrounding their right to an education
Immigrant students come to school with varying degrees of preparation and educational competency, but all of them face different hurdles from native-born children. The guide points out that substantial diversity often exists among members of the same nationality. Recognizing this diversity is critical in developing successful techniques for work-ing with immigrant students.
"Negative attitudes about immigration often lead to misinformation, bias, and discrimination against individuals or cultural groups, both in society and in our schools," notes Joyce Harris, Director of NWREL’s Equity Center. "Educators need to be sensitive to negative attitudes that immigrant students may face."
The strategies in the guide are intended to enrich the educational experiences of all students, so that today’s children grow into adults who are respectful, understanding participants in a multicultural society.
The guide debunks some of the myths about immigrants to help teachers counter common misperceptions, and it explores specific adjustment issues newcomers face, such as cultural differences, language barriers, economic status, acceptance by mainstream society, and immigrant or refugee status.
In addition to a glossary and extensive list of resources, the guide includes "self-report cards" for both teachers and administrators to help educators measure the immigrant-friendliness of their schools and identify areas for improvement.
A single copy of Improving Education for Immigrant Students: A Guide for K-12 Educators in the Northwest and Alaska is free to school districts in the Equity Center’s region. For more information, call the Equity Center at (503) 275-9500. Please refer to the Document Order Form for ordering information.
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