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|  | | | Hmong Refugee Questions
8/5/2004
| Hmong Refugees in Saint Paul - Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is the Saint Paul Public Schools doing to prepare for the Hmong refugee students?
In addition to existing English Language Learners (ELL) programs, Saint Paul Public Schools has created two new programs to assist our newest Hmong refugee students: Transitional Language Centers (TLCs) for K-6 grade students and an International Academy LEAP (IA-LEAP) for 7-12 grade students.
We created these two additional programs based on the success and the lessons learned from our districts experiences in the past with the resettlement of refugees from Thailand, Somalia and many other countries. Our diverse district has great multicultural energy and these two additional programs will benefit from and be successful because of that energy.
What are Transitional Language Centers (TLCs) and why were they designed for the Hmong families from Wat Tham Krabok? Who is eligible to attend?
Based on what our district learned from past successes in working with new refugee families, we created the Transitional Language Centers. These are short-term, transitional programs located within elementary (K-6) schools. Because our current English Language Learners (ELL) programs do not have the services to meet the needs of such a large refugee group with very specific needs, the TLCs were developed to assist with a small number. In investing in these new students, it was important to us that the sites be in existing schools so that the students can interact with students and staff at the host school while still receiving the specific support they need. In addition to academic programs, these programs will centralize support services for students and their families. The district will have at least three elementary TLC sites, including Como Park, Hayden Heights, and Phalen Lake elementary schools.
The International Academy LEAP (IA-LEAP) will be prepared to receive new Hmong refugee students in grades 7-12 with additional support and classes. IA-LEAP is located at what was formerly called Wilson Middle School, located at 631 N. Saint Albert St.
The goal for new Hmong refugee students K-6 is to transition them to mainstream schools and programs as soon as possible.
How do you register students for a TLC or IA-LEAP?
The first step for all students, including new refugee students, who want to register for school in our district is to call our Student Placement Center, 651-632-3701. There are translators at that site who can answer questions about how and when to register. We strongly encourage people to call first because there are specific documents and information you will need to bring with you when you register. Again, the first step is to call and make an appointment.
Do all Hmong refugee students have to attend a TLC or IA-LEAP?
All families have a choice to select the best educational setting for their children. We are strongly encouraging families from Wat Tham Krabok to choose a TLC or IA-LEAP because we have a strong commitment to help these students gain new language and academic skills as soon as possible. Unlike many other refugee students we have worked with in the past, many of these students will have had no educational background or experience. These programs have been designed to speed up the learning process, in general, and also to meet their specific needs in numerous other areas.
An important component of the TLC program is that the new Hmong students will interact and be involved with English-speaking students, teachers and staff in the host school. All TLC and IA-LEAP staff and students will have equal access to all school services, including media center, computer lab, gym, playground, etc.
How will students be transported to TLCs and IA-LEAP?
In accordance with existing transportation provisions for elementary students, refugee students will receive bus transportation to the TLC site in which they are enrolled.
Transportation will be provided to IA-LEAP for students enrolled at the site under the existing transportation provisions for middle and high school students in the district.
How long will students stay at IA-LEAP?
Refugee students will have the option to remain in IA-LEAP until graduation or they can move into English Language Centers (ELC) in secondary sites when the staff, in consultation with families, determines that is appropriate. There are currently ELC sites in Arlington, Como Park, Harding, and Humboldt high schools.
What special education services will be available?
Similar to the process for all students in our district, the new refugee students will be assessed and special education services will be available to students in TLCs and IA-LEAP as necessary. Students with severe disabilities or needs will be placed in special education programs that meet their needs at other appropriate sites if a program does not exist at the students school.
What staff will serve the TLCs and IA-LEAP?
We have in place highly qualified teachers, educational assistants, and other licensed support staff who will work with the new Hmong refugee students at the TLCs and IA-LEAP. All TLC and IA-LEAP staff will also receive additional training in ELL strategies, Hmong culture and refugee issues.
What will be taught in the TLCs and IA-LEAP?
Students will also study the subject areas that all other Saint Paul students are learning--reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, etc., as they work toward state and district standards. The curriculum is based on state and ELL standards, which will assist students in their transition to mainstream school.
The TLC and IA-LEAP programs will emphasize basic interpersonal communications skills in English, though Hmong bilingual support will also be available for students and families.
What happens after TLC?
Elementary TLC students will move to new or existing ELL programs within the schools.
Will childcare be available to IA-LEAP students?
IA-LEAP does not have a childcare program. However, Harding and Arlington high schools already have ELL programs with childcare, which could be an option for parents enrolled in these schools.
Childcare assistance funding is available through the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) to assist young mothers to pay for childcare. For more information, contact Ramsey County Child Care Assistance at 651.266.4019. (For a Hmong translator call 651-266-3691.) Assistance is also available through Resources for Childcaring at 651-641-0305.
For more information about TLCs or IA-LEAP, please contact Valeria Silva 651-767-8320, valeria.silva@spps.org, Heidi Bernal 651-767-8315, heidi.bernal@spps.org or Andy Xiong (651-767-8165, andy.xiong@spps.org. The principal of IA-LEAP is Rose Santos and you can contact her at 651-228-7706, rose.santos@spps.org
Updated: August 5, 2004
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