Thanks to all of you for a very thought provoking and informative
discussion. I sincerely hope that this dialogue has increased your
awareness of knowledge and skills to plan and implement effective programs
for all students in general and for immigrant girls specifically. I
applaud the panelists for sharing their expertise, both personal and
professional. I hope that we will continue to engage in dialogues in our
schools and communities on the needs of immigrants so that they feel
welcomed, valued and are treated equitably.
As we continue our work in gender equity I would like us to be reminded of
the WEEA definition of gender equity.
"Gender equity is a set of actions, attitudes, and assumptions that provide
opportunities and create expectations about individuals. In our definition
of gender equity, gender is never separate from race, ethnicity, language,
disability, income, or other diversities that define us as human beings. It
offers a framework for educational reform in which all females and males
·are engaged, reflective learners, regardless of the subject
·are prepared for future education, jobs, careers, and civic
participation
·set and meet high expectations for themselves and others
·develop as respectful, inclusive, and productive individuals, friends,
family members, workers, and citizens
·receive equitable treatment and achieve equitable outcomes in school
and beyond"
If we use this framework to work with immigrant girls we will create
equitable and supportive teaching and learning environments. I am attaching
an excerpt from Improving Education for Immigrant Students: Guide for K-12
Educators produced by the Equity Assistance Center at Northwest Regional
Educational Laboratory in Portland, Oregon. If you are unable to open the
attachment please email me and I will make sure that you can access the
information in another format.
In closing I would like to end with Serena Gordon's quote from my opening
statement as a reminder of what is at stake if we fail to address the needs
of immigrant girls:
"I need to find the right way through the world, the way that is right for
me, the way that will keep the spark inside me glowing brightly. Nothing
must ever extinguish the spark, because then the true heart and soul dies.
So far I've kept alive and now I can walk slowly on into the light."
Thanks to all of you for your input!
Joyce Harris
Director
Equity Center
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
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