Phone Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
1-800-933-ASCD (2723)
Address 1703 North Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
Complete Customer Service Details
March 2007 | Volume 64 | Number 6 Responding to Changing Demographics Pages 56-61
Margery B. Ginsberg
Home visits with recent immigrant families can lead to culturally relevant teaching—when solid preparation points the way.
As Ms. Mason, principal of Iona Barnes Elementary,1 prepares for the new school year, she hears a knock on her office door. She greets translator Zanab Omir and the Hassan family, who have just arrived from Somalia. Looking at the family and speaking through Mr. Omir, Ms. Mason says, “We are so happy that you are here. Let me show you a book made by a Somalian student that shows photographs of our school.”
Ms. Mason is looking forward to learning about the Hassan family's experiences and expertise. Iona Barnes Elementary educates students from many parts of the world. Teachers frequently visit the families of new immigrants who have enrolled their children. Because teachers have put in the groundwork to make these encounters enriching, the school has developed warm relationships with immigrant families.
Join the education organization for all educators.
Get full access, plus expert resources and solutions to support whole child education.
Subscribe to Educational Leadership magazine and save up to 51% OFF the cover price.
Explore timely content from ASCD.