By Eileen Gale Kugler (EKugler@EmbraceDiverseSchools.com)
Introduction
An influx of immigrants and refugees over the past two decades has changed the face of American classrooms. Coming to the United States in search of a better life for their children, immigrant and refugee families care greatly about education and have high aspirations for their children. As immigrant and refugee children enter school, they are optimistic about their future and tend to work hard. Yet that is not what you may hear from many American educators. Faculty and administrators raise concerns that these students don't pay attention in class or act out, and that their families don't support the school. Oft-heard faculty remarks about these students tell the story: "They don't have the experiences necessary for school." "They lack basic social skills." "Their parents don't care."
Clearly there is a disconnect. While students may enroll in school with optimism, many immigrant and refugee students do end up falling behind, with decreasing academic success over the years. The drop out rate is high: nearly 25% of foreign-born students and 16% of those with foreign-born parents do not complete high school. One factor that educators can overlook is that many immigrant and refugee students and their families face unique emotional and behavioral health issues, and these issues can serve as barriers to school success. Teachers and administrators, held accountable for student achievement, focus on teaching strategies and educational performance; and they may miss cues pointing to emotional or behavioral issues that impact student achievement. Recognizing the mental health needs of immigrant and refugee students, and engaging the entire family in addressing them, can build a crucial home-school partnership that may open doors to student success.
To read the entire Issue Brief:
Issue Brief
Partnering with Parents and Families to Support Immigrant and Refugee Children at School
By Eileen Gale Kugler (EKugler@EmbraceDiverseSchools.com)
© 2009 Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
School of Public Health and Health Services
George Washington University
Or to view and listen to the webinar:
Webinar
Helping Immigrant and Refugee Students Achieve School Success: Partnering with Families to support student mental health needs
Led by Eileen Gale Kugler (EKugler@EmbraceDiverseSchools.com)
Hosted by The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
Slide presentation
Audio recording