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Migrant Education


The education of children of migrant families presents special challenges for schools and teachers. Not only do migrant students have the disadvantage of living in impoverished circumstances, but in addition, the families must move repeatedly during the school year to follow the crops. More and more migrant workers and families have little or limited English--the majority being Spanish speaking. In addition, living conditions and health-care may be inadequate. Educating migrant children is, therefore, dependent on coordinated efforts by social service and public health services to meet the pressing needs of the families. Federal legislation (such as Title I) and funding are especially important in migrant education as states try to cope with the unusual challenges of educating migrant children.

In the classroom, resources for teaching other English language learners and/or disadvantaged children are available for use with migrant children. Unique challenges, however, include parent involvement and student mobility. Non-traditional parent involvement tactics must be used that take into account the culture and living conditions of migrant families. Some states have begun addressing the mobility of migrant students by standardizing the curriculum and requirements so that student learning is not disrupted by changing districts. Efforts initiated in Texas, including distance learning and portable modules for high school students, have been successful in cooperation with other states. Provisions are made for Texas-based students who travel to other states during the year to take complete course work and achievement tests for high school graduation in Texas.

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Conference or Meeting
2007 National Migrant Education Conference Catch the Dream
URL: HTTP://WWW.NASDME.ORG/CFP/
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: National Association of State Directors of Migrant Education (NASDME)
Abstract: The conference is April 29 to May 2, 2007, in Phoenix, Arizona. The plans are to share expertise for carrying out the broad mission of the No Child Left Behind Act with research-based and pragmatic, experience-based presentations that provide direct answers to common questions and concerns.
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Policy Brief
Children of La Frontera: Binational Efforts to Serve Mexican Migrant and Immigrant Students
URL: HTTP://WWW.ERIC.ED.GOV/ERICDOCS/DATA/ERICDOCS2SQL/CONTENT_STORAGE_0...
Format: Print, PDF, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Edvantia
Abstract: This book includes 20 chapters that provide background on the historical and current context of U.S.-Mexico relations and education in Mexico. It examines existing binational educational and health programs and describes effective practices for teaching Mexican migrant and immigrant students and working with families from Mexico.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: This book is based on historical and societal conditions and documents.
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Migrant Education: A Reference Handbook
URL: HTTP://WWW.ABC-CLIO.COM/PRODUCTS/OVERVIEW.ASPX?PRODUCTID=109294
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: ABC-CLIO
Abstract: A comprehensive reference describing the educational issues faced by migrant workers and the economic, political, sociological, and language issues schools and educators face in trying to address migrant needs. It also includes a chronology, directories.
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Migrant Service Coordination: Effective Field-Based Practices
URL: HTTP://WWW.EDVANTIA.ORG/PRODUCTS/INDEX.CFM?&T=PRODUCTS&C=PR...
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: U.S. Department of Education
Abstract: The authors describe practices found in school districts with high concentrations of migrant families that are meeting the goals of the Migrant Education Program and meeting the needs of migrant families.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: Effective practices were identified by study of the characteristics of programs that met the goals of the Title I, Migrant Education Program.
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Toma el Tiempo: The Wisdom of Migrant Families in Consultation
URL: HTTP://ESCORT.ORG/FILES/ACTIVE/0/TOMA%20EL%20TIEMPO.PDF
Format: PDF, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Eastern Stream Center on Resources and Training (ESCORT)
Abstract: Children of migrant farm working families often live and learn in conditions that conspire against both health and education. This article, from the Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, reveals barriers and avenues to connecting with migrant farm working families so their children may gain greater benefits from health and education services.
Rating:
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Voices from La Frontera: Study of School Districts Along the United States/Mexico Border
URL: HTTP://WWW.ERIC.ED.GOV/ERICDOCS/DATA/ERICDOCS2/CONTENT_STORAGE_01/0...
Format: PDF, URL
Focus Area: Curriculum and Instruction
Provider: WestEd
Abstract: This report is based on surveys sent to regional superintendents about the issues and problems in districts with growing numbers of Latino students. Policy implications include the need for additional support and resolution of conflicting regulations.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: This study yielded an overview of the challenges facing school districts along the U.S./Mexico border and the priorities of these districts.
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Why Migrant Education Matters
URL: HTTP://WWW.NCELA.GWU.EDU/PUBS/ISSUEBRIEFS/IB8.PDF
Format: PDF, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education (NCBE)
Abstract: This brief describes the severely disadvantaged living and educational situation of migrant students, including poverty, limited knowledge of English, and illiterate families. It provides recommendations for teachers and school systems about how to include these students in schools and help them be successful.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: This is a compendium of three experts' recommendations on successful educational strategies for migrant students.
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Professional Association
ESCORT
URL: WWW.ESCORT.ORG
Format: URL
Focus Area: School/District improvement, Migrant education
Provider: Eastern Stream Center on Resources and Training (ESCORT)
Abstract: This web site focuses on drop-out prevention for migrant students. ESCORT is a national resource center dedicated to migrant education since 1986. Located at the State University of New York at Oneonta, ESCORT partners with federal, state, and local education agencies to help improve services for migrant youth. Areas of expertise: comprehensive needs assessment, identification & recruitment, and dropout prevention.
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Indiana Migrant Education Program (IMEP)
URL: HTTP://WWW.DOE.STATE.IN.US/LMMP/MIGRANT.HTML
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Indiana Department of Education
Abstract: Indiana is part of the collaborative using the SMART distance education program. The Web site may include links to application and program reports and forms, school and instructional resources, and identification and recruitment resources.
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Interstate Migrant Education Council
URL: HTTP://WWW.MIGEDIMEC.ORG/
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Interstate Migrant Education Council (IMEC)
Abstract: The Interstate Migrant Education Council is a volunteer advocacy organization whose members are appointed by chief state school officers. Its mission is "To advocate policies that ensure the highest quality education and other needed services for the nation's migrant children." It may commission research, provide testimony, publish findings, and sponsor public forums.
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National Association of State Directors of Migrant Education (NASDME)
URL: HTTP://WWW.NASDME.ORG/ABOUT.HTML
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: National Association of State Directors of Migrant Education (NASDME)
Abstract: NASDME is the professional organization of state officials charged with the administrative responsibilities of using migrant education monies effectively and productively to help all migrant children succeed in school. NASDME provides its members ongoing information about events and activities, and offers new members training, guidance, and counsel. It prepares publications to inform a wider audience about migrant education. It represents the migrant education community in continuing dialogues with the federal government.
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National Center for Family Literacy
URL: HTTP://WWW.FAMLIT.ORG/SITE/C.GTJWJDMQISE/B.1204561/K.BD7C/HOME.HTM
Format: URL
Focus Area: Reading and literacy
Provider: National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL)
Abstract: This Web site offers a number of resources for families of English language learners, as well as professional development opportunities.
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Professional Development
Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA)
URL: HTTP://WWW.GWU.EDU/~CALLA/
Format: URL
Focus Area: Reading and literacy, English language learners
Provider: Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA)
Abstract: CALLA is an instructional model developed by Anna Chamot and J. Michael O’Malley. The model is designed for second- and foreign-language learners based on cognitive theory and research. The goals of CALLA are to help students learn essential academic content and language, and become independent and self-regulated learners by increasing their use of various learning strategies. The Web site includes articles on the implementation of the model, a list of districts using CALLA, and references for materials.
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Claims of Effectiveness: No evaluation is cited. The developers are education professors at George Washington University, (i.e., experts). This Web site offers a project overview and additional resources; it is information only.
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English Language Learners in the Mainstream: Strategies that Work
URL: HTTP://SHOP.ASCD.ORG/PRODUCTDISPLAY.CFM?PRODUCTID=PD05OC48
Format: URL, Professional Development
Focus Area: English language learners
Provider: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Abstract: This is a seven-lesson online course to prepare teachers to work more effectively with English language learners in mainstream classes, which requires extra time and effort but benefits the English language learners as well as the rest of the class. See additional ASCD products for English language learners at http://shop.ascd.org.
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Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL)
URL: HTTP://WWW.WESTED.ORG/CS/WE/VIEW/SERV/106
Format: URL, Professional Development
Focus Area: English language learners
Provider: WestEd
Abstract: These are 5-day summer institutes for secondary teachers in three content areas: mathematics, science, and ESL/language arts/social studies. Participants learn key principles of promoting academic language development in secondary English learners, and they develop expertise in applying those principles, using a wide range of pedagogical strategies in rich instructional sequences. Summer institutes will be held in July 2007 in San Francisco.
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Claims of Effectiveness: No claims of effectiveness are made, although anecdotal reports of participants' reactions are shared. Research is cited supporting the need for this type of training.
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Research
Dropouts: Who Drops Out and Why--and the Recommended Action. Second Edition
URL: HTTP://WWW.CCTHOMAS.COM/DETAILS.CFM?P_ISBN13=9780398068509
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: School/District improvement
Provider: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd.
Abstract: This book addresses general issues related to drop-out prevention, including attention to immigrant and seasonal farm workers. This second edition includes new material on migrant children.
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Identification and Recruitment of Migrant Students: Strategies and Resources
URL: HTTP://WWW.EDVANTIA.ORG/PRODUCTS/INDEX.CFM?&T=PRODUCTS&C=PR...
Format: PDF, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: U.S. Department of Education
Abstract: Finding migrant students is not easy. This Digest provides an overview of how to develop a realistic system for finding and enrolling migrant students, and identifies helpful sources of information.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: A good recruitment system—including hiring the right people, preparing them with quality training, supporting them with caring administrators, and constantly monitoring the sytem for improvement—can ensure that the migrant children and families who are eligible for the migrant education program will receive the services they are entitled to.
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Improving Graduation Outcomes for Migrant Students
URL: HTTP://WWW.EDVANTIA.ORG/PRODUCTS/INDEX.CFM?&T=PRODUCTS&C=PR...
Format: PDF, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Edvantia
Abstract: This summary article, based on Gibson’s earlier case study, describes the role that supportive adults and special programs played in increasing migrant Mexican student graduation rates.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: The Migrant Education Program (MEP) nurtures migrant students' identities and provides them with access to instructional support. MEP enabled students to maintain and develop cultural roots and values while also being successful in school. MEP helped those most at risk of dropping out to persist in school and prepare for college.
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Partnering with Latino Migrant Families of Children with Disabilities: A Challenge, a Mission
URL: HTTP://WWW.ERIC.ED.GOV/ERICDOCS/DATA/ERICDOCS2SQL/CONTENT_STORAGE_0...
Format: PDF, URL
Focus Area: Parent involvement, Migrant education
Provider: Edvantia
Abstract: In Scholars in the Field (Salinas & Franquiz, 2004), this chapter describes Project SMART (Summer Migrants Access Resources through Technology), a national distance learning program (television and video) for migrant students that coordinates efforts among partner states. It originated in Texas to serve migrant students and is used in other states, where migrant students based in Texas spend part of the year, to provide them continuity and enable high school students to attain credits needed for graduation. The courses are broadcast via satellite each summer for 8 weeks in selected sites in the U.S. and are available on tapes and videocassettes.
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Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: This is a detailed description of the SMART program in Texas and its collaboration with other state education agencies. Reports on the increased numbers of graduating high school students and the participation of students is included.
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Reaching Out: Best Practices for Educating Mexican-Origin Children and Youth
URL: HTTP://WWW.ERIC.ED.GOV/ERICDOCS/DATA/ERICDOCS2SQL/CONTENT_STORAGE_0...
Format: Print, PDF, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Edvantia
Abstract: This book focuses on strategies, based on research and experience, that educators, families, students, and communities can adopt to create positive changes for migrant education. Chapter 6 (Political, Social, and Pedagogical Issues Impacting Early Childhood) examines the issues surrounding early childhood education of migrant students and successful approaches.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: Author states the practices are research-based.
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Redefining Parental Involvement: Lessons from High-Performing Migrant-Impacted Schools
URL: "HTTP://WWW.AERA.NET/PUBLICATIONS/?ID=315
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: Parent involvement
Provider: American Educational Research Assciation
Abstract: Because of the difficulties of involving migrant parents in their children's schooling, the authors attempted to find effective parent involvement practices by a qualitative study of parent involvement in high-performing, migrant-impacted schools. They found that schools were effective in involving parents because they aimed to meet parent needs rather than adhering to a predetermined definition of involvement.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: In this qualitative study, 15 schools were chosen that met high achievement criteria in migrant-impacted districts that were recognized for parental involvement. Data were gathered through interviews, observations, and document review. No less-successful schools or districts were studied for comparison. They found that schools were effective in involving parents because they aimed to meet parent needs rather than adhering to a predetermined definition of involvement.
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Scholars in the Field: The Challenges of Migrant Education
URL: HTTP://WWW.EDVANTIA.ORG/PRODUCTS/INDEX.CFM?&T=PRODUCTS&C=PR...
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Edvantia
Abstract: This book provides a comprehensive summary of research, history, and legislation on migrant education. Leading migrant educators in the U.S. describe the struggles and resilience of these migrant children and youth and describe the challenges in providing migrant students with a high-quality education. Authors trace the history of legislation and polices affecting migrant students, beginning in 1996 when attention was brought to the plight of migrants in an Edward R. Morrow television special. Described are some successful mathematics programs used in Texas with migrant students: Algebra Across the Wire, Project SMART, ESTRELLA program, and The Portable Assisted Study Sequence (PASS). The author also discusses ways that migrant students may have difficulties with mathematics because of limited English or cultural misunderstandings, and strategies for educators in overcoming those barriers to learning.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: Information is from experts and research, most of which are case studies.
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Voices from the Field: Interviews with Students from Migrant Farmworker Families
URL: HTTP://WWW.NCELA.GWU.EDU/PUBS/JEILMS/VOL14/MARTINEZ.HTM
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Educational Programs (NCELA)
Abstract: Interviews with students from migrant families in Florida were conducted to provide information on their living and work situations, health, vocational and career interests, and students' self-esteem and goals. Findings showed that although migrant farm workers value education, students often confront situations that may result in low achievement and dropping out of school. Principle barriers to success are mobility, poverty, hostile community attitudes, and educators' preconceptions about migrant student academic performance.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: This study was conducted with in-depth structured interviews. A total of 84 students across 18 schools were interviewed, with equal numbers of males and females. More than 80% were of Hispanic origin, 10% Anglo, and 8% African American. Ages were from 6 to 19. The study revealed important aspects on migrant lifestyle and perceptions from a child/youth-centered point of view.
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Tool
APEX Parent Workshop Manual
URL: HTTP://WWW.ASPIRA.ORG/APEX.HTML
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: Parent involvement, Migrant education
Provider: ASPIRA Parents for Excellence in Education (APEX)
Abstract: The APEX program was developed by ASPIRA to curb the high drop-out rate of Hispanic students by encouraging parents to play a greater role in their children’s education. This free manual consists of 10 workshops that are available in both Spanish and English. The 10 workshops focus on these topics: Self Esteem, Why Is Education Important, The Home Connection, School Structure, What Parent Involvement Means, The Importance of Communication, Involvement with Schools, Organizing Parent Networks, Group Dynamics, and An Effective Facilitator.
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Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL)
URL: HTTP://WWW.CAL.ORG/INDEX.HTML
Format: URL
Focus Area: English language learners, Migrant education
Provider: Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL)
Abstract: The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of research-based language tools and resources related to language and culture. The Web site includes research reports, online and published resources for English language learners (ELL), online directories of other resources for ELL, and directories of ELL programs in the various states.
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Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners
URL: HTTP://SHOP.ASCD.ORG/PRODUCTDISPLAY.CFM?PRODUCTID=106009
Format: Print, URL
Focus Area: English language learners
Provider: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Abstract: The book describes ways for mainstream K-6 teachers to adapt strategies to meet the needs of English language learners at different stages of language acquisition, as well as how to use culturally appropriate methods to increase parent involvement in their children's education.
Rating:
Claims of Effectiveness: Using the research from Classroom Instruction That Works (Marzano, Pickering, & Pollock, 2001--itself a meta-analysis of over 100 studies--this book reviews nine categories of research-based instructional strategies that strongly affect student achievement.
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Help! They Don't Speak English Starter Kits
URL: HTTP://ESCORT.ORG/?Q=NODE/149
Format: PDF, URL
Focus Area: English language learners
Provider: Eastern Stream Center on Resources and Training (ESCORT)
Abstract: Three HelpKits are available for free download on the ESCORT Web site: HelpKit for Grades Pre-K-6; HelpKit for Secondary Teachers, and HelpKit for Teachers of Young Adults. The HelpKits include cultural information to help teachers understand ELL students and their families, strategies to improve student skills in major content areas, and alternative methods to monitor the progress of ELL students.
Claims of Effectiveness: Evaluation information is not available on the Web site.
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Montana Migrant Education Program
URL: HTTP://WWW.OPI.STATE.MT.US/MIGRANT/INDEX.HTML
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Montana Office of Public Instruction
Abstract: Montana is part of the collaborative using the SMART distance education program. The Web site may include links to application and program reports and forms, school and instructional resources, and identification and recruitment resources.
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National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Educational Programs (NCELA)
URL: HTTP://WWW.NCELA.GWU.EDU/RESABOUT/MIGRANT/
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Educational Programs (NCELA)
Abstract: NCELA provides resources and information on the migrant-related requirements of the NCELA Act and other government policies, migrant populations, improving migrant education, technical assistance, and additional Web resources.
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National Migrant Education Hotline (800-234-8848)
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Eastern Stream Center on Resources and Training (ESCORT)
Abstract: This hotline, provided by ESCORT, is free and accessible to migrant families in those states that have an annual agreement with ESCORT. Migrant workers can receive help in enrolling children in school and accessing special school programs.
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Office of Migrant Education
URL: HTTP://WWW.ED.GOV/ABOUT/OFFICES/LIST/OESE/OME/INDEX.HTML
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Abstract: This Web site provides migrant education resources, including these programs: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), High School Equivalency Program (HEP), MEP Consortium Incentive Grants, Migrant Education Coordination Support Center, Migrant Education Even Start (MEES), Migrant Education National Hotline, and Title I Migrant Education Program (MEP).
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Oregon Migrant Education Service Center
URL: HTTP://WWW.WESD.ORG/OMESC/OMESC_HOME.ASP
Format: URL
Focus Area: Migrant education
Provider: Willamette Education Service District (WESD)
Abstract: Oregon is part of the collaborative using the SMART distance education program. The Web site may include links to application and program reports and forms, school and instructional resources, and identification and recruitment resources.
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The Verizon Literacy Network
URL: HTTP://LITERACYNETWORK.VERIZON.ORG/FREE-ONLINE-COURSES.21.0.HTML
Format: URL
Focus Area: English language learners, Reading and literacy
Provider: Verizon
Abstract: Numerous free, online courses on the topic of literacy are offered. Courses are offered for potential and existing volunteers in literacy programs; and for program directors, staff, and instructors. Some of these courses address working with ELL students and families. For a list of courses and registration instructions, visit the Web site.
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