Immigrants

Education news, analysis, and opinion about immigrants, immigrants’ children and immigration

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Image of a boy with a blue backpack standing in front of the entrance to school.
Which States Are Challenging Undocumented Students’ Right to Free Education?
States are reviving efforts to challenge the 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling that guarantees undocumented students a free, public education.
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Photo of shadow of children holding hands.
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Equity & Diversity This Principal Uses Her Experience as the Child of Farmworkers to Support Students
Raquel Martinez, a middle school principal in Washington state, ensures parents and students know their culture and language are valued.
Denisa R. Superville, February 8, 2023
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6 min read
Aryaana Khan pictured in Baisley Pond Park in Jamaica, Queens, NY., on Jan. 27, 2023
Aryaana Khan pictured in Baisley Pond Park in Jamaica, Queens, NY., on Jan. 27, 2023
Mostafa Bassim for Education Week
Science In Their Own Words From Monsoons to Hurricane Sandy: A Student’s Personal Journey From Activist to Scientist
Without formal instruction on climate change in school, Aryaana Khan struggled to make sense of the natural disasters she experienced.
Arianna Prothero, January 31, 2023
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4 min read
Second grade students in Dalia Gerardo's class at West Elementary, in Russellville, Ala., on Dec. 9, 2022.
Dalia Gerardo's 2nd grade classroom at West Elementary in Russellville, Ala., is pictured here in December 2022. The classroom features both English and Spanish labels and wall decorations.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English Learners Once Resistant, An Alabama Town Now Sees Its English Learners as Its Future
What happened when a school district changed its culture and invested in young English learner supports?
Ileana Najarro, January 30, 2023
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12 min read
Marlena Young-Jones, an ESL teacher at West Elementary in Russellville, Ala., works with students on Dec. 9, 2022. The Russellville City School District has worked to meet the needs of an influx of Hispanic students over the last few years through a number of methods, including hiring nearly a dozen new bilingual aides.
Marlena Young-Jones, an ESL teacher at West Elementary in Russellville, Ala., works with a class of students late last year. The district's investment in professional development and supports for English learners sends a strong signal about their importance, she says.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English Learners In Their Own Words What's the Right Mindset for Teaching English Learners? A Teacher Explains
Teachers need the right dispositions to help English learners—but district leaders set the stage.
Ileana Najarro, January 30, 2023
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4 min read
Brian Santos, a senior at Russellville High School in Russellville, Ala., stands for a portrait at the school Dec. 9, 2022.
Brian Santos, a senior at Russellville High School in Russellville, Ala., stands for a portrait at the school Dec. 9, 2022.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English Learners Video Witnessing Change in a 'Little Town for Latinos’: An English Learner’s Journey
Born in Russellville, Ala., to immigrant parents from El Salvador, Brian Santos reflects on his journey as an EL student.
Lauren Santucci & Ileana Najarro, January 30, 2023
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2:48
Russellville High School ESL teacher Edmund Martinez works with students in Russellville, Ala., on December 9, 2022.
Russellville High School ESL teacher Edmund Martinez works with students in Russellville, Ala., on December 9, 2022.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English Learners Project The Language of Equity
An Alabama district has overhauled how it supports English learners—making great strides in early grades that it may not be able to sustain.
January 30, 2023
The Russellville City School District has worked to meet the needs of an influx of Hispanic students over the last few years through a number of methods, including hiring nearly a dozen new bilingual aides. Elizabeth Alonzo, pictured here before a class at West Elementary in Russellville, Ala., on Dec. 9, 2022, is one of the bilingual aides.
To meet the needs of a growing English learner population, Russellville City Schools has hired 10 new bilingual aides, including Elizabeth Alonzo, pictured here before a class at West Elementary on Dec. 9, 2022.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English Learners In Their Own Words A Bilingual Aide Explains the Value of Representation for English Learners
Elizabeth Alonzo now provides the support she didn't get in school: Someone who speaks and values her first language.
Ileana Najarro, January 30, 2023
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3 min read
Students ride the bus home from Russellville Middle School in Russellville, Alabama, on Dec. 9, 2022.
Students ride the bus home from Russellville Middle School in Russellville, Ala., on Dec. 9, 2022.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English Learners After Early Success With English Learners, Can a District Keep Its Momentum?
The Alabama school system's gains are threatened by time-limited funding, unaddressed needs at the secondary level, and moribund state policy.
Ileana Najarro, January 30, 2023
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11 min read
ELL Thumbnail BS
English Learners Video Teachers, Try This: Incorporate Students' Home Languages Into Your Classrooms
One Texas teacher utilizes her ELL students’ home languages to build community.
Lauren Santucci, December 15, 2022
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2:56
Equity & Diversity Spotlight Spotlight on Inclusion
This Spotlight will help you evaluate the negative treatment LGBTQ+ students experience, discover the positives of unified sports, and more.

December 15, 2022
Ahmad Still 003 BS
English Learners Video From Afghanistan to Austin, One Refugee Student’s Experience
After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Austin's school district received 319 refugee students. Here, one middle schooler's experience.
Lauren Santucci, December 1, 2022
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4:32
Wed., November 09, 2022, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
English Learners Webinar Engaging English Learners With Asset-Based Approaches
Discover asset-based approaches to drive engagement amongst English learner students.
Register
November 9, 2022
Emily Francis
Emily Francis
Courtesy of Seidlitz Education
Teaching Profession Q&A Immigrant Teacher's Memoir Sheds Light on What English Learners Need
Emily Francis came to the United States at 15. Now an English-as-a-second-language teacher, she shares advice in her new book.
Ileana Najarro, October 25, 2022
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5 min read
Conceptual illustration of a garden growing from adversity
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Student Well-Being Opinion ‘The Timing Is Critical’: How Schools Can Help Refugee Students
Two clinical psychologists suggest several low-cost and effective interventions to help welcome refugee and immigrant families.
Jeffrey P. Winer & Luna A. Mulder, September 30, 2022
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5 min read
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