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New Program Focuses on Educating Immigrant Students

The Harvard Graduate School of Education is offering a new professional education program, Educating Immigrant Students: Attending to Individuals and Their Communities (EIS). The program, held in Cambridge May 5–9, 2015, is designed to help education leaders develop practices that help immigrant students succeed in school.

As a result of shifting demographics, it’s important for schools to consider classroom strategies, family engagement practices, and how to best navigate cultural divides, said Associate Professor Natasha Kumar Warikoo, program chair for EIS

“Even though one out of every four children in the United States is an immigrant or the U.S.-born child of immigrants, many schools are ill-equipped to meet their needs. Immigrant youth frequently are learning two languages, an incredible asset, but one that many schools have yet to learn to support effectively,” Warikoo said. “This program will focus on the unique aspects of educating immigrant children by examining current research on language education, socio-emotional well-being of immigrant youth, and family engagement that truly supports learning.”

The program will convene education leaders from schools, districts, governments, and nonprofit organizations that support immigrant families, where they will learn from Harvard faculty experts and fellow educators facing similar challenges.   

Participants will also explore the unique situations of youth without legal status in the United States or with undocumented parents. In addition, the program will address the unique needs of refugee youth, many of whose education has been interrupted by natural or man-made disasters.

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