Focus on Immigrant Education and Motivation to Shape the Future

With the United States entering its fourth largest wave of immigration, educators are met with the challenge of not only teaching the English language, but also civics, and motivating immigrants to get involved politically in the country.

At the Askwith Forum, "Learning to be a Citizen: Civic Education and Immigration in the U.S.," on Tuesday, March 14, participants discussed the political socialization of immigrant children, the expansion of opportunities, and how much priority should be put on civic education. In addition, participants also discussed naturalization and the need for specific changes in the process.

Panelists included Massachusetts State Senator Jarrett Barrios (D-Cambridge); Maria Carlo, assistant professor at the University of Miami School of Education; and Judith Torney-Purta, professor of human development at the University of Maryland.

Ford Foundation Professor Fernando Reimers moderated the forum which was cosponsored by the University Committee for Human Rights.

The future of immigrants in the nation "depends on how institutions respond to newcomers," Reimers said, pointing out that the country is headed for a collision course if it doesn't figure out a path to inclusion.

"A school-based civic education has the potential to reduce gaps."–Judith Torney-Purta, professor of human development at the University of Maryland

As the first Latino elected to the state Senate, Barrios said he has spent most of his life trying to motivate Latinos to get involved politically and sees this as one of the most vital steps.

With immigrant voting participating and even interest in politics so low, Barrios argued that many immigrants weren't completely aware of what was going on in the state or how it could affect them and their children. For example, the much-debated issue of making in-state immigrants ineligible for in-state tuition costs at public colleges and universities. "The Lt. Governor said, "Let them go to private school," Barrios said pointing out that many children will not get to go to college because of that bill.

The best route to overcoming inequality, according to the panelists, is to get involved in the political process. "What will have the greatest and lasting effect is electing more of [immigrants] to the legislature," Barrios said.

But, how can you get immigrants involved when a disinterest emerges in the classroom? Torney-Purta's research featured in the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement Civic Education Study shows that many immigrant students suffer from ethnic tension and unequal treatment in the classroom. This situation acts as a barrier to effective classroom learning for immigrants.

"A school-based civic education has the potential to reduce gaps," she said.

But, in order to close the gap, civic education needs to undergo reform. Torney-Purta recommends putting a focus back into civics with an opportunity for discussion in the middle school curriculum, enhancing professional development for teachers, recognizing the differences within immigrants, and using ethnic identity as a source of motivation.

Reimers agreed that perhaps one way to make a difference is through education, getting more politicians involved, defining citizenship by making it more possible for immigrants, and mobilizing immigrants by getting them to vote.