Strand

History, Social Studies

Objectives

To understand the factors which contribute to poor academic achievement for some children of Hispanic immigrants. To learn about the effectiveness of bilingual education as it applies student performance in the classroom

Historical Perspective

The importance of a good education as a cultural value, and the successful incorporation of immigrant families into American society can hardly be overestimated. Understanding how today’s immigrant children integrate into society and how their academic achievement is affected by everyday patterns of social interaction can help combat the high school dropout rate. Children of immigrants have long been expected to assimilate into American society through their school experience. On average, one in five children nationwide is either an immigrant or the child of immigrants (Olsen et al., 2005). This information demands that we take a closer look at the educational achievement patterns of immigrant children and how they are related to different school contexts. The challenges that contribute to this serious situation are numerous. Poverty, language barriers, and stereotypes about the intellectual capabilities of immigrant children are just some of the factors faced by students from immigrant populations.

Pacing

Two class periods

Materials

• Main Idea Chart
• Newspaper Article Rubric

Expository Writing

Students have the opportunity to write an Op-Ed column (see Extension below).

Key Questions

Point of View

Students will write a newspaper editorial expressing their opinion on whether bilingual education improves academic achievement or hinders it. Students will research the topic using the provided links. In addition, have students bring in an editorial from a newspaper, or visit some newspaper websites, for examples to work with. Students will look at the editorials in class with the teacher. They will also create a political cartoon that illustrates their opinion on the specific topic or issue. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

Directions

Distribute the Student Activity sheet or have students access it via the Classroom Resources site. Have students keep the following topics in mind as they conduct their research:

• Low-income families
• Family values
• Bilingual education
• Criteria for achievement
Tell students to write an editorial of about 500 words that states an opinion on the benefits of bilingual education in schools with large Hispanic immigrant populations. Have them explore three or more aspects of the issue with specific details, and end with a conclusion or suggestion about whether or not bilingual education improves academic achievement among Hispanic children. Remind them that newspaper editorials usually advocate a course of action on an issue of concern to the community and give information about that issue before finally stating suggestions for future action.

Tell students to use the Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer to take notes. Remind students that their personal account should include at least ten specific details from their research. In constructing their essays, students should consider how ties to one’s homeland, including concern for relatives and friends still in Cuba, might shape one’s reaction to the unfolding revolution. How might their viewpoint differ from those of their non-Cuban neighbors? Tell students that they will read sections of their narratives for the class.

Assessment

Use the Newspaper Article Rubric to assess students’ performance. Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Extension

Have students use Latino American Experience to research and write an Op-Ed column of about 800-1,000 words on the topic of bilingual education using the research they used to write their editorial. Students should note that Op-Ed columns can be found in the opinion section of the newspaper, alongside editorials. However, columns tend to differ from editorials; the column writer’s name usually appears under the headline, columns are longer and they sometimes weave personal anecdote into an argument for or against a course of action. In constructing their Op-Ed column, students can build on the writing and research they have completed to create their editorials by weaving in personal anecdote, giving some attention to opposing views, or providing more depth and information on the points they made in their editorials.

(May be copied for classroom use.)