Schools Play A Vital Role In Assimilation Of Immigrants

One of the keys to keeping America strong and true to its ideals is for this country to assimilate its immigrant populations into our cultural traditions, ideals and principles. We are a melting pot nation where freedom, democracy, justice, morality and enterprise bring us together.

The current immigration debate addresses the unintended consequences of having a flood of illegal immigrants overwhelm our ability as a country to assimilate newcomers into our way of life. If immigrant groups stay on the periphery, fail to learn English and participate only within their ethnic enclave, then we are on the way to being a nation of division and tensions - not bound together by a common thread of shared interests and values.

To control the process we have to be good on two fronts: first securing the borders and channeling immigrants through a legal system of citizenship; and secondly, actively reaching out and assimilating the new immigrants into our national identity. This column talks about how we do that.

The role of schools. What does it take for minority immigrant children to feel at home in their new land? Local people and immigrants share common ground. It is the welfare of their children. School is a place where immigrant children will learn and eventually adopt the skills and values of this country in order to advance.

This culture will reward those families who adopt individualistic, future-oriented, goal-directed values that will serve them well in a competitive society that rewards merit. The acculturation process also favors formation of two-parent nuclear family households.

The progress of an immigrant group as permanent members of the community can be best measured by the stability of children in school. This can be defined by attendance and participation in advanced courses and extracurricular activities. Finally, graduation rates and pursuit of continuing education experiences show that immigrant children are taking full advantage of the opportunities of their new homeland.

How can schools help bring community acceptance? Teachers and school administrators must actively seek knowledge of the new groups - their culture, history, hopes and dreams. It is through the eyes of teachers that immigrant children will develop positive attitudes toward one's own group and toward themselves.

How children are treated affects the way they view the majority as well as their own minority group. Relationships start with the basics of tolerance and courtesy and end with respect.

Knowledge, social contact and a sympathetic attitude can reduce the prejudice between the community and newcomers. It is when people get to know one another and interact on a regular basis that differences become less frightening and eventually appreciated.

Settings must be created for mingling. In school and in the community, people learn one another's stories, history and migratory experiences. The host community has stories to tell as well as the newcomers. Such school and community events as plays, dramatizations, dance, arts and crafts projects, music, community service projects,

ethnic foods, display booths, and multicultural festivals bring people together while they educate each other.

When parents of all cultures get to know one another, the "fear" factor disappears. It is just as much a relief for the minority as it is for the native population to get concerns and differences out in the open and talked about. Contact can improve attitudes about inter-group conflict without threatening one's own group allegiance.

How can schools deal with an influx of immigrant children?

- Have in-service training on the new cultures and anticipated problems and needs.

- Explain and translate aspects of American culture and rules of the school to minorities so they aren't caught off guard by what is expected of them - health and hygiene, attending school every day, etc.

- Help new immigrants learn English as quickly as possible through English as a Second Language courses (ESL).

- Have peer tutors and community volunteers help in ESL classes. Have volunteers read textbooks on tape. ESL teachers are usually overworked. Larger school systems can have different levels of ESL depending on the language proficiency of the students.

- Mainstream children as fast as possible into regular classrooms. Encourage extracurricular involvement and sports participation. When immigrant children use English socially, their skills improve dramatically.

- Have "hands on" courses in shop, art, applied science, music and "hands on" introductory courses which mainstream students once they finish their ESL classes.

- Have one "by-the-book" set of rules and procedures for everyone so that whites and minorities do not get the perception that school authorities discriminate or play favorites.

- Mix boys and girls in hallways, lockers and home rooms. For Hispanics, have Latin music at school dances. The hardest places to integrate are the school cafeteria and school dances where youth like to segregate into their own groups.

- Have peer conflict mediation programs available in the schools. Conflict resolution training helps to mediate cultural conflicts at school. Active listening skills and an ability to articulate feelings to others help to bridge differences and overcome bias.

- Have a cultural diversity committee among students that deals with concerns and problems. It can sponsor programs on cultural awareness, art projects and bulletin boards. The committee can promote mutual respect and understanding.

- Celebrate and recognize cultural holidays, history and special days.