SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE STUDENTS:
Fostering a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment in California's PreK-12 Schools
About
The Support for Immigrant & Refugee Students Project was launched in 2017 in response to the increasingly hostile climate toward immigrants and the insecurity caused by the changing policy landscape. The goal of this project is to assist in the creation of a safe learning environment for students of all backgrounds and to support best practices immigrant students in all PreK-12 schools throughout California.
To accomplish this goal, Californians Together has developed a multi-pronged approach including the development of workshops and resources for educators, the creation of regional networks for school district and county leaders, and connecting schools and families with information and resources from statewide and national organizations who work to support the education, health, well-being and rights of immigrant and refugee students and families.
Support for Immigrant and Refugee Students (SIRS) Curriculum and Materials
Beyond simply mitigating the impact that the current crisis is having on Immigrant and Refugee Students in California and beyond, Californians Together has published curriculum and materials that we hope will support immigrant students in the development of resilience and strength to develop students’ internal resources and external voice that they will carry with them throughout their lives. We want our students not just to survive, but to thrive in the face of this adversity and be part of a movement toward a more equitable and just society. We appreciate the partnership we have had with The Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL) at Loyola Marymount University who collaborated in this endeavor, serving as curriculum writers, materials developers, and project consultants for both Phase I and II curriculum.
Fostering a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment in California's PreK-12 Schools
The Phase I Toolkit was created in 2017 in response to the negative climate toward immigrants and refugees and the insecurity caused by the changing political landscape. The goal of the SIRS Phase I Classroom Lesson Modules is to provide teachers with a resource to support their undocumented students and students experiencing emotional distress due to their families' immigration status. To that end, Phase I lessons focus on (1) building community and empathy among students so that they can feel safe to communicate their thoughts and feelings, knowing they will be recognized and supported, and (2) participating in literature-based discussions centered on key socio-emotional themes experienced by this group of students.
In addition, the Phase I Toolkit includes a Teacher's Guide to Support Immigrant and Refugee Students' Socio-Emotional Experiences (Estrada, 2017). This resource provides educators with information about concepts and strategies common to the field of counseling that can be utilized in a class setting to address in-the-moment issues that may arise, especially when teaching sensitive and emotionally laden topics. The accompanying Guide to Safe and Welcoming Schools for Immigrant and Refugee Students provides highlights, resources, and best practices to create safe and welcoming contexts for all students.
Supporting Resilience and Social-Emotional Learning
Our newly published Phase II Classroom Lesson Modules: Supporting Resilience and Social Emotional Learning (2021) are designed to work concurrently with Phase I materials to equip educators with instructional practices to provide students a foundation in social-emotional wellbeing. By applying the principles of a trauma-informed approach – the goal of the Phase II materials is to facilitate or begin the healing process among students who experience trauma. Each classroom lesson module includes two lessons designed to engage students in (1) developing resilience, (2) participating in literature-based discussion centered on social and emotional learning themes. (The Classroom Lesson Modules for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-12 are available now for free download below. Binders with printed material, including a Trainer of Trainers Manual and related resources will be available soon for purchase from our store.)
Phase II: Supporting Resilience and Social-Emotional Learning
Phase I: Fostering a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment in California's PreK-12 Schools
Phase I: Additional Materials
"Trainer of Trainers" Workshops
We hold "trainer of trainers" workshops throughout California, covering the resources above.
Workshops for our second module, Supporting Resilience and Social-Emotional Learning, are being offered at virtual "Trainer of Trainer" sessions this spring and continuing with virtual and in-person training sessions throughout 2021-22 school year
To arrange for regional workshops in your area, contact our project director.
Regional Leadership Networks
Californians Together has launched regional networks for school, district, and county leaders for support of immigrant and refugee students in their communities and hosts meetings in the Central Valley and Bay Area. The goal of the networks is for school districts and county leaders will gather with others in their region to:
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- Receive updates on most recent immigration policy changes that impact on students and families.
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- Discuss challenges and identify local implementation priorities.
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- Share best practices, including resources, tools, and materials, across districts and schools, based on the framework for creating Safe and Welcoming Schools.
Supporting Immigrant Students during COVID-19
With the shift to distance learning and the uncertainty about the reopening of schools, now is the time to develop plans to address the needs of immigrant and refugee students and their families with focused and sensitive attention. We must ensure that immigrant and refugee students and their families receive support and equitable access to educational opportunities during this unprecedented time.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE STUDENTS
RESOURCES CORNER
New Immigrant Student Resource Hub is Live: InformedImmigrant.org
Californians Together is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Informed Immigrant website. We have partnered with Informed Immigrant to […]
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