Striving for Success: First-Generation Immigrant Students

What we know Academic success of immigrant students in US schools will not only shape their own economic success but the entire US economy, along with its international competitiveness, welfare, health care, and retirement systems 20% of US student population are immigrant students ¼ of these students are first-generation immigrants 15% of these students will drop out of high school First-generation immigrants arriving during elementary or high school are more successful than if arriving during middle school Undocumented students unable to attend college Dream Act

Barriers English proficiency Differences in curriculum Family Community support

Limited Language Skills Trouble navigating the school settings Understanding of where to be when Trouble with reading leads to separate classes Family trouble in the community Urban areas are daunting Learning how to navigate the city (buses or subways) Residential concerns (dangerous neighborhoods) 

Curriculum Differences Enclave schools have a higher percentage of first-generation students schools that focus on assimilating immigrant students. attendees appeared to score lower on both tests than non-enclave school students Potentially different methods of determining learning/knowledge

Family Family structure and size highly correlate with dropout rates Marital status of the family is important Linguistic barrier is not as concerning as socioeconomic barrier. Students working with over 20 hours a week reduces educational performance.

Community Support Community peers and adult role models demonstrate what students will see. Immigrants who are refugees or have been granted asylum are often received more favorably from the new community and school.

Counselor Supports Groups Peer and adult mentoring Diverse curriculum College and career planning Work with teachers on ESL strategies

Groups Form groups of students with similar interests and also concerns Helps overcome isolation and depression or general unhappiness Find student leaders to get involved

Mentoring Schools with students in positive role models are important to mentor immigrant students There may be immigrant students ready to take on leadership roles to mentor newer students Attachments and friendships help eliminate dropouts

Curriculum Need more ESL or bilingual education in schools Introducing ideal multicultural concepts related to World Geography provides several key elements to an immigrant education context Active, broader and critical citizenship education curriculum and pedagogy An opportunity to engage in content and knowledge construction that entails student centered and generated historical inquiry and interpretation Multiple perspectives that reflect the lives of the students in the immigrant education center and in society in general Motivational factors can be a means for immigrants to overcome early deficits in school learning

College and Career Planning Have students explore vocations and what experience is necessary A group of school students who expect a high middle class income will reduce dropout rates Legal status may affect desire to finish high school, knowing that further education is not possible

ESL Strategies Napište své jméno v horní části papíru আপনি একটা পেন্সিল বা কলম ব্যবহার করতে পারেন Cuando haya terminado, diga su nombre

ESL Strategies with support Napište své jméno v horní části papíru আপনি একটা পেন্সিল বা কলম ব্যবহার করতে পারেন Cuando haya terminado, diga su nombre

ESL Strategies Put your name at the top of your paper czech You can use a pencil or pen bengali When you’re finished, say your name spanish

Family Family structure and size highly correlate with dropout rates Marital status of the family is important Linguistic barrier is not as concerning as socioeconomic barrier. Students working with over 20 hours a week reduces educational performance.

Ultimately First-generation immigrant students need an advocate Talk to teachers and staff Help involve families and community members in school activities Stay visible

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