Cultural competence and English Language Learners

As more and more immigrants move to America for better opportunities for themselves and their children, a large number of non English speaking students enter into the education system.  As teachers are we really doing our best to embrace these students and help them adapt to their new culture while succeeding academically?  Do we have the cultural competence to communicate with them effectively and help them find a balance between academic and cultural competence? 

In the article Paz outlines the significant importance of family support for many immigrant students.  Many students come from areas of the world where education systems are very dissimilar to ours and teachers and students play a very different role then that found here in America.  Teachers are often seen as figures of authority that hold all the power.  Many immigrant students and parents alike are not used to the student centered classrooms and find it difficult to adjust to the new system.  Parents may want their students to be successful but may not understand how the school system in their new homes works.  I agree with Paz when he says that it is integral that teachers in the American education system learn about the cultures that their students come from.  This welcoming into the educational community is often a daunting task and requires teachers to really get to know their students and where they are coming from.  Teachers must ensure that parents feel like they can play a large role in their students academic careers and really feel apart of the educational community.  This requires that all teachers become culturally competent and learn the norms and rituals of various cultures that their students come from.  This may mean learning different types of discipline that were commonly used in students’ home countries and even various types of evaluation and assessment.  Putting ourselves in our student’s shoes should really open up our minds and hearts to how challenging moving to a new country and learning a new language and culture really is.  Combine this with feelings and attitudes experienced during adolescence and this makes for a very difficult ride.   

Involving parents in this ride is crucial and may really help in making the transition smoother for students and teachers alike.  If parents have a better understanding of the school system and how it works, they can then advocate for their children more effectively.   Many of these parents moved to America to provide a better life for their children.  This ‘better life’ definitely includes a solid education which they hope will open up many doors of opportunity for their children.  Providing an open and welcoming environment where parents and students feel that they can really grow is fundamental in building this foundation. 

Paz recommends that schools need to do more then just foster a positive student environment  but really and truly value and celebrate cultural diversity.  This means exposing students to other cultures.  During African heritage month, the geography department at my school focuses on African history, culture and food. African dancers were hired to perform and teach during lunch hours and African food was sold at lunch along with crafts and clothing.  Students had the opportunity to meet with African leaders and watch documentaries focusing on African countries.  This exposure opens student’s eyes to the wide world that lives just outside our doorsteps.  It also gives African students to show case talents and who student’s things about their culture.    The same is done during Chinese New Year as announcements are made around the school and students have the opportunity to try Chinese food and learn about cultures and traditions. 

Being apart of a team/squad/club is also important to ones identity.  Our school recently started a drum line.  Many students had wanted to start one up and felt it really represented the urban culture that many of them related/connected to.  These students came from various backgrounds but their undying love for music and rhythm brought them together unifying them. 

Teachers must be willing to put in the extra effort and really connect with students.  This may mean PD sessions that teach teachers about the different cultures that their students come from. It may mean PD sessions about the need to balance cognitive development with cultural competence.   Connecting with a student and letting them know you care can make a world of difference.  If a teacher knows about your language and traditions, would that not make you respect and trust them a little bit more? 

The cultural diversity that the new immigrants bring with them allows America to take on a much more competitive role in today’s world.  The immigrants coming from many countries speak many languages and carry forth many traditions that we can learn from.  This diversity is an asset in the business world, in the arts and entertainment and in the realm of academia.  Over time, cultural competency will be at its peak and teachers will hopefully play an important role in bridging the gap between cultures. 

Questions

1.  Can students whose parents don't see education as an integral part of success in the Western world still be    successful in their academics?  Do they need to work harder to get to the level where other students whose parents are involved reach?  

2.  Should learning about the cultures and education systems where students at our schools come from be mandatory?  Should schools/school boards provide this type of professional development?