Presented by: Jennifer Daves, M.A. Ed. District ELD Program Coordinator Jenks Public Schools September 6, 2011

 International & U.S. law recognize a refugee as someone outside his or her own country with a well-founded fear of persecution in that country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.  In addition, U.S. law recognizes that in certain circumstances persons still within their home countries may be considered as refugees.

Refugee Policy  The U.S. provides substantial protection and assistance to refugees both in the United States and throughout the rest of the world. Responding to the needs of refugees serves important U.S. humanitarian and foreign policy goals.

 The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has adjusted its focus away from large refugee admissions programs developed during the Cold War, to more diverse refugee groups requiring protection for a variety of reasons, including religious belief.

In Burma (Myanmar), the Government actively suppresses most non-Buddhist religions (particularly for minority ethnic groups such as the Karen and Chin).

 Catholic Charities, Tulsa Awarded federal grant to sponsor relocation of refugee families.  YWCA, Tulsa Awarded federal grant to sponsor relocation of refugee families.

 8hEnCNA&feature=related 8hEnCNA&feature=related

 VrbxxoM VrbxxoM

 Chin  Zomi  Zo  Karen

Identified Burmese Language Students (Including Chin, Karen, Zo, Zomi & Kuki) 06-07: : : : : : 242* (*as of 8/11)

CDC study published in journal of Social Science & Medicine identified the most common trauma events experienced by refugees.  Hiding in the jungle 79%  Forced relocation 67%  Lost property 66%  Destruction of houses and crops 48%  Forced labor 50%

 Missing or lost family members 29%  Death of family or friend while in hiding because of illness or food shortage 19%  Murder of family or friend 7%  Rape 3% of women & 3% of men

 Do not have family last names  Named for other family members  Families encounter confusion with name differences in western culture  Customary to address adults with titles, Mr., Mrs., Ms.

 Avoid walking in front of others  Apologize if you accidently pick up something belonging to another person  If invited to eat with them, refuse first, IF they ask you repeatedly, accept, but gently  They may say “No” when an affirmative answer might seem more appropriate. Saying No is a way to be modest.

 Looking a speaker in the eye can be considered an act of challenge  Chin students will not normally establish eye contact with the teacher.

 Generally described as highly motivated  Refugee communities are well knit & organized  Religion is very important & source of community cohesion  Tend to be very polite & modest

 Little understanding of the job application & interview process  “Selling oneself” seems an alien process  Eye contact may not be made during interviews  Once hired, may not ask many questions- need guidance through the entire process of orientation- to workplace, school, etc…

 Appropriate dress may be an issue  Coming from hot, humid climates & relocating in OK, need to be taught the importance of wearing:  Socks  Winter shoes  Coats, hats, gloves

 What similarities exist between U.S. culture and Burmese refugee culture?

 What differences between U.S. culture and Burmese refugee culture exist?

 Any student born outside of the United States, attending U.S. schools, during their first year, is exempt from Reading/Writing assessments (CRT/EOI).  These students must take all other assessments.

 Culture Shock……..  How can we as educators, help bridge our newest citizens to our educational system?

 Refugees From Burma-Their Backgrounds and Refugee Experiences- Published by the Center for Applied Linguistics.

 Thank you for your interest in learning more about JPS newest student population.