Unlock Your Child’s Potential: The Benefits of American Schools for Latino Parents
Unlock Your Child's Potential: The Benefits of American Schools for Latino Parents
From Lima to Beijing, Bilbao to Bengaluru, parents like you understand the outstanding significance of an American education. A fast-growing number of families in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean are choosing to relocate to the U.S. This decision integrates their children of varied ages into the American education system, which offers powerful benefits for their growth and academic development. Here are some of the most common benefits:
University Admissions Advantage:
American universities are renowned for their teaching excellence, innovative research, and bright future prospects.
Complete Language Immersion:
English is the language of academia, business, politics, science, and culture. Mastering it will make your child competitive in the global market.
Cultural Exposure:
Your child will be exposed to a diverse environment, learning to navigate different settings and customs, which fosters a global mindset.
Innovative Teaching Methods:
Students experience a new way of learning with different styles of assignments, classroom discussions, and a focus on individual growth beyond test scores.
Lifelong Skills and Values:
Independence, self-advocacy, confidence, and the ability to overcome challenges are key to unlocking their full potential.
If you see yourself in this scenario, there are critical features you should consider to guide your child adequately on this new journey. This exciting journey takes time to assimilate a new language and culture and can be challenging and complex for many newcomer students in American schools. The more support your child gets, the better the results, allowing them to experience the benefits of the American education system accessible to anyone..
Research Evidence
Studies show that many international – immigrant students experience frustration and high levels of anxiety because language challenges affect their learning. High levels of frustration and anxiety lead to increased dropout rates or low scores among students who struggle academically. In some schools, the use of a student’s native language is not possible during instruction or parent-teacher conferences. These international students and their parents share the same frustration and need to assimilate the English language process, which does not happen overnight. Understanding the time it takes for second language learners (children and parents) to learn a foreign language is crucial. For example, students need 6 months to 2 years to acquire Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), and 3 to 7 years to develop Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) during the second language learning process.
International Parent's Mindset
A key question for parents is to know the exact English language level of their children entering American schools. The assimilation and language process are not magical; they require dedication and access to a well-designed English language program. Integrated content and language instruction in listening, speaking, reading, and writing help students develop the ability to generate spoken and written language about concepts in subject-area classes. For instance, students can perform lab experiments, make mathematical calculations, and learn about history, all while using appropriate academic language.
The direct instruction delivery in a typical American classroom is mainly in English. There is a strong language demand placed on all students in subject-area classes. Students in some content classes are required to read and assimilate advanced texts and make connections in writing. Considering these highlights, international parents should pay attention to their child’s individual needs for success in American schools. It is clear that international-immigrant students must progressively achieve three goals: (a) use English to communicate in social settings, (b) use English to achieve academically in all subject areas, and (c) use English in socially and culturally appropriate ways. Parental involvement is essential in this journey. It means teamwork that brings growth and enhances the American community! The goal is to train students to be independent learners and take control of their own thinking and understanding in their academic and new American life.
Learn more about our programs
At Elite Language Academy, we understand the challenges that immigrant families face and offer tailored language programs to support your child’s academic journey. Our comprehensive courses in English and Spanish are designed to enhance communication skills, cultural understanding, and academic success. Visit our site to explore our programs and find the right fit for your family. Let’s work together to unlock your child’s full potential in the American education system.
Dr. Pizarro is the Founder and President of Elite Language Academy, a language center in the USA. As an innate educator, she lectures as a Professor at Broward College in Florida. Her research interests and publications relate to TESOL education, multiculturalism, schooling settings with ESL students, and professional development. Her dissertation Exploring Private School Teachers’ Perceptions and Pedagogical Efficacy with English language Learners has effectively contributed to ESL teaching in the U.S. She has frequently delivered presentations at Annual TASS, Teaching Academic Survival, and Success Conferences.