Summary
In Oakland Unified, a new curriculum is helping immigrant students bridge education gaps. With a focus on students with interrupted formal education (SIFE), this program aims to address the unique needs of newcomers. Led by dedicated teachers like Shannon Darcey, students like Maribel and Anallely are overcoming challenges, learning English, and acquiring essential skills they missed in their home countries. The curriculum, known as Curriculum for SIFE Equity, has been met with enthusiasm, providing a pathway to success for these students.
Engaging Immigrant Students in Education
In a bustling classroom at Urban Promise Academy in Oakland, teacher Shannon Darcey leads a group of new immigrant students through a lesson on interpreting graphs in English. Among them is Maribel, an 11-year-old who only attended two years of school in Guatemala before moving to the U.S. The fear and uncertainty that often cloud immigrant students’ experiences are replaced with joy and enthusiasm in this classroom, where learning is a transformative experience.
Challenges Faced by Immigrant Students
Oakland Unified serves over 3,300 immigrant students, with hundreds facing significant gaps in their education due to various reasons like rural isolation, violence, or economic necessity. For teachers like Darcey, addressing the diverse academic backgrounds of these students presents a unique challenge. Without tailored curriculum and resources, students can feel frustrated and disconnected from the learning process, hindering their academic progress.
The Impact of Curriculum for SIFE Equity
Julie Kessler, the director of newcomer and English language learner programs in Oakland Unified, spearheaded the development of a new curriculum specifically designed for students with interrupted formal education. Collaborating with the creators of the Bridges curriculum, the resulting Curriculum for SIFE Equity is now accessible to teachers across the country. The open-source nature of the curriculum has garnered praise from educators, who appreciate its relevance, respectfulness, and effectiveness in engaging students.
Anallely’s Journey to Education
Anallely, a 14-year-old student from Guatemala, reflects the resilience and determination of many immigrant students in overcoming barriers to education. Working on her “identity map” in class, Anallely shares her aspirations of becoming a doctor and traveling the world. Despite limited prior education, Anallely embraces new skills like graph interpretation and map organization, recognizing their practical value in understanding the world around her.
Embracing the Eagerness of Immigrant Students
Arturo, another student at Urban Promise Academy, embodies the eagerness and determination that immigrant students bring to the classroom. Despite never attending school before enrolling at 14, Arturo’s engagement and willingness to learn inspire his teacher, Shannon Darcey. Through programs like SIPPS, which focus on phoneme awareness and phonics, Darcey guides students like Arturo towards foundational literacy skills, setting them on a path to success.
Looking Ahead
As students like Maribel, Anallely, and Arturo continue their educational journey in Oakland, the impact of tailored curriculum and dedicated teachers is evident. Through the Curriculum for SIFE Equity, immigrant students are empowered to navigate the complexities of education, language acquisition, and cultural integration. By recognizing and addressing the needs of these students, educators like Darcey are not just teaching lessons—they are shaping futures and fostering a sense of belonging in a new land.
