School District 75 offers program for parents who don't speak English

Submitted by Mundelein School District 75

How do you know if your child is absent from class? Is my child at grade level in math and reading? What are standardized tests and how does my child compare to his classmates?

These are questions all parents have as their children begin kindergarten and move through the grades on into high school. But for parents who don't speak English, the process is especially daunting.

This year, Mundelein School District 75 incorporated a high school elective class, Parents as Educational Partners, into its outreach program. Twice a week, parents drop off their toddlers and young children at child care and speak English with a trained professional.

These teachers equip them with every day phrases, topics, and conversations about issues that are relevant to parents of school-aged children.

Washington School second-grade teacher Lupe Roznowski teaches her group of about 15 parents English as she discusses with them expectations about upcoming events. The class goes over what parents can expect during a parent teacher conference.

Roznowski explains what goes into a report card so parents understand how their child is doing in school. They discuss upcoming tests like MAPs and ISATs and how the district uses them. They go over the structure of the district and explain the role of superintendent, business manager and teacher.

"The cultural differences of these parents are profound. For instance, in Mexico you ask permission to enter a classroom. The teacher is the complete authoritarian and you don't ask questions of her," Roznowski said.

But in the PEP classes, which run year long, the teachers discuss how parents can help improve their child's reading level, the types of questions they are encouraged to ask their child's teacher, etc.

In speaking with the parents taking the class they say that they rely less on translators and feel increasing confidence speaking with a teacher without assistance. The program helps them speak to their child's doctor. They also believe becoming fluent in English will go a long way to helping them get better jobs and, ultimately, better salaries.

For details on the English as a Second Language classes, contact the high school at (847) 949-2200, ext. 1399. Para más información, (847) 949-2200, ext. 1072.

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