On July 15, 2008, Debra Robinson requested additional information regarding agenda item #G3-Florida Department of Education Project Application - Enhanced Instructional Opportunities for Recently Arrived Immigrant Children and Youth
REQUEST:
What parent involvement activities were described in the grant application? How will this be implemented such that it does not scare away parents that may not have entered the country legally? How will this assist newly arrived immigrant children as opposed to English Language Learners as a whole?
RESPONSE:
. Q-1: What parent involvement activities were described in the grant application?
Response:
The Florida Department of Education Project Application - Enhanced Instructional Opportunities for Recently Arrived Immigrant Children and Youth grant includes, but is not limited, to the following parent involvement activities:
- School-based heritage/cultural celebrations;
- Field trip to a community college and vocational school for parents and
Students;
- Parent Leadership Council Meetings;
- Parent conferences regarding their student’s academic and English language acquisition progress;
- Literacy nights;
- Bilingual, Bicultural Guest speakers for parent involvement meetings to inform immigrant parents about the education system in the United States as well as specific academic and cross-cultural issues;
- Activities to assist parents in providing academic support at home for their students;
- SDPBC -created Desk Calendar will include parent involvement activities specifically for immigrant parents translated into Haitian-Creole and Spanish
- Planting Seeds for Success Parent Conference will include specific sessions for immigrant parents in their heritage languages. Sessions will focus on the following: educational opportunities, homework assistance, report card analysis, health issues, guidance issues, social issues, as well as cross-cultural issues that are specific to the immigrant populations and;
- Field trip to tour the local public library and apply for a library card for immigrant parents and their children.
Q-2. How will this be implemented such that it does not scare away parents that may not have entered the country legally?
Response:
Bilingual, bicultural personnel including Teachers, Community Language Facilitators, Social Service Facilitators, and ESOL Guidance Counselors will serve as a parent support team. This team will be very instrumental in communicating with parents to alleviate any parental concerns regarding participation in these events. Invitations are open to all immigrant parents and there is not a fee or application process to participate in these activities. All invitations to parent involvement events will be sent in the heritage language. The Supreme Court ruling of Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982), prohibits schools from requesting any information regarding the citizenship status of immigrant students and parents and prohibits denying immigrant students access to a public education.
Q-3: How will these assist newly arrived immigrant children as opposed to English Language Learners as a whole?
Response:
Newly arrived immigrant students and families will be provided specific opportunities to gain important information and receive positive support needed to facilitate a smooth transition to the United States educational system. English Language Learners as a whole have already participated in activities to support their successful transition to a new culture and educational system.