Instructor Phitsamay Uy works with students at the parental engagement workshop.

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Story Synopsis

Immigrants living in the United States have a lot to learn when they first arrive. Parents must learn how the school system works in the United States so that they can ensure their children are successful. There are often cultural differences as well as language barriers, which make it difficult to adapt. An organization in Rhode Island helps immigrant parents navigate the school system by providing classes that are translated into several languages. Listen to hear what kinds of challenges immigrant parents face and some solutions that are offered. Use with grades 6-9 Common Core State Standards CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.3: Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

Listening Comprehension Questions Assign these questions to your students or answer them together in a group.

  1. What are some of the rights of parents in the school system?
  2. Why is it important that parents know the expectations of teachers?
  3. What are a few differences in expectations of immigrant parents from American parents?
  4. Why might immigrant parents not know how to help their children with school work?
  5. What does it mean to raise children in a certain context?

Discussion Themes Use these questions to get students thinking at the beginning of class. They can use evidence from the story to support their ideas during a class discussion.

  1. How would you feel if you had to learn to live in a culture very different from your own?
  2. What are the reasons you think it’s important for parents to understand how schools in the United States work?

More Resources

Curriculum Connections:

  • The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan
  • The Namesake, Jhumpa Lahiri
  • Esperanza Rising, Pam Muñoz Ryan

Reporter John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.