Focus on Immigrant Students
Fall 2008 Vol. 16 No. 1
Students and parents gather outside Southwark Elementary in South Philadelphia for the first day of school. A group of immigrant parent activists from South Philadelphia, including Anastacia Lorenzo (in green shirt) of the community group JUNTOS, has been campaigning for improved services for English language learners.
Not English-only
by Dale Mezzacappa
Philadelphia’s foreign-born population is growing, and Mayor Nutter wants to make the city, including its school system, more welcoming to immigrants.
Comments (2)
Download Edition
More in this edition
These charter schools say they’re immigrant-friendly
by Sarah Peterson
When Debbie Wei came on as the founding principal of the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures (FACTS) Charter School in Chinatown, she knew what her first big capital expense would be.
Simultaneous translation equipment.
“This was a statement on our part,” said Wei. “Not to have basic communication with parents is criminal.” So now, parent meetings often look like UN sessions.
Comments ()
Fewer English language learners - or more than meet the eye?
by Elaine Allard
Numbers of English language learners (ELLs) and immigrant students have been declining since 2006, say District officials, and with the decline come cuts in funding for ELL programs.
But advocates for language minority students say that the District’s citywide totals don’t capture the complex movements within Philadelphia’s diverse ELL population, which still numbers over 12,000 and includes speakers of more than 50 languages.
Comments ()
Table of Contents
Theme articles
- Not English-only by Dale Mezzacappa
- Alphabet soup: A glossary of terms about English language learners by Rosie Dillon and Elaine Allard
- Language milestones in the U.S.
- Language equity in Philadelphia
- Philly Student Stories: Wiwik Verawaty by Rosie Dillon
- Philly Student Stories: Fareed Hamraqul by Rosie Dillon
- Philly Student Stories: Mouhamed Niang by Dale Mezzacappa
- Philly Student Stories: Limayra Luciano by Rosie Dillon
- Philly Student Stories: Pier Kotro by Dale Mezzacappa
- Philly Student Stories: "Rob" by Sarah Peterson
- Undocumented youth: frayed nerves, crushed dreams by Sarah Peterson and Matt Mezzacappa
- Advocates want District to use unspent federal funds by Paul Socolar
- BCAs help families make sense of school by Rosie Dillon and Paul Socolar
- Student 'ambassadors' tackle divide between Africans, African Americans by Benjamin Herold
- These charter schools say they’re immigrant-friendly by Sarah Peterson
- Web Exclusive English acquisition a priority at Esperanza Academy
- Fewer English language learners - or more than meet the eye? by Elaine Allard
- ELLs have limited high school choices by Elaine Allard
- A plan in the works to make Philly immigrant-friendly by Paul Socolar
- Essay: Giving English language learners the classroom support they need by Deborah Bambino
- The bar is low for ESOL teachers in Pa. by Dale Mezzacappa
- Commentary: Myths about immigration and bilingual education by Ron Whitehorne
- Quick takes: Is your school welcoming to immigrant parents? by Benjamin Herold
Other news & features
- Stressing accountability, Ackerman shakes things up a bit by Dale Mezzacappa
- New formula marks a turning point for state funding by Paul Socolar
- Ackerman wants a one-year deal by Paul Socolar
- Six schools return to District control; EMOs continue to operate 32 others by Paul Socolar
- Charter troubles surface; District tightens scrutiny by Dale Mezzacappa
Sports stories
- Sweating for a spot by Benjamin Herold
- Web Exclusive Photo Gallery
Cartoon
- Fall 2008 Cartoon
In our opinion
- An asset squandered?
- Managing change
From our readers
- How to opt out of recruiter calls
- Don't equate charters and EMOs
Eye on special education
- English language learners with disabilities may not get the right diagnosis and placement by Sarah Peterson
Activism around the city
- Concerns about graduation test stall State Board of Ed's plan by Erika Owens
- ACT UP: Condom availability is an urgent student health issue by Sarah Peterson
- Freedom Schools foster critical perspective on media by Sarah Peterson
News in brief
- For a sixth year, scores rise on state standardized test
- Center helps students reconnect to education after dropping out
- District calls for new proposals to run discipline schools
School snapshot
- Audenried High School
En español
- Mitos sobre la inmigración y la educación bilingüe por Ron Whitehorne
- Escuelas chárter que se enfocan en comunidades inmigrantes por Sarah Peterson
- Enfoque en la educación especial: Los ELL con incapacidades necesitan atención por Sarah Peterson
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Philly Ed Feed
- Dream job lost, a beloved teacher hopes for return to her school
- Council: We've done our part for schools; now Pa. needs to help
- The overlooked crisis of school leadership
- Round two of PCAPS forums keeps education reform conversation going
- Amid dispute with District, Discovery Charter cuts ribbon to new building
Urban School NewsStories from other cities
Login / Register
