This spotlight highlights the U.S. Department of Education’s Newcomer Toolkit — a resource aimed at advancing engagement and connection with those who directly serve immigrant and refugee students as they arrive in our communities and classrooms. Though only Chapters 2-5 are highlighted here, key terms and practitioner activities can be found within the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the Toolkit.
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This chapter recognizes that each newcomer’s experience is unique and shares information to help schools recognize and build on the strengths of newcomer students and their families to enhance the entire school community. The chapter guides users through establishing district or school policies and practices that are asset-based and offer a warm and affirming welcome to newcomer students and their families, which can have long-term benefits for students, their families, and the school community.
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Attending to the social, emotional, and mental health needs of newcomer students is vital and sets the foundation for their learning and engagement, both in and outside the classroom. This chapter offers considerations for understanding the social, emotional, and mental health needs of newcomer students; implementing trauma-informed practices; creating a network of student supports; and establishing safe, inclusive learning environments.
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In Chapter 4 of the Toolkit, readers will learn about the components of newcomer programs, how to identify features of high-quality instruction for newcomers, strategies for helping schools provide high-quality instruction to newcomers during times of remote or hybrid instruction, and professional development tools for increasing staff’s ability to effectively teach newcomers.
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Establishing partnerships with parents is vital for the educational success of students. This chapter assists educators in recognizing the diverse characteristics of newcomer families, identifying ways to facilitate newcomer family engagement at their schools, and examining tools and approaches for establishing successful partnerships with newcomer families.
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This resource (available in four languages) offers research-based guidance on the school registration process, how families can get involved in their children’s education, the rights every student has under United States law, and more.
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If you are a school community, local government, or state that is working with newcomers and their families, please share your story and collaborate with us here. Ideally, please provide a web link for easy sharing, but all submissions are welcomed. Let us know how your work is leading the world to a better tomorrow!
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