Role of State Policies in Supporting Immigrant Parental Involvement in Michigan

1. How does Michigan promote immigrant parental involvement in their children’s education?


Michigan promotes immigrant parental involvement in their children’s education through various initiatives and programs, including:

1. Outreach and Collaboration: The Michigan Department of Education collaborates with community-based organizations, non-profits, and other agencies to reach out to immigrant parents and inform them about the importance of their involvement in their children’s education.

2. Bilingual Resources: The state provides access to bilingual resources such as informational materials, forms, and documents in multiple languages to help immigrant parents understand their rights and responsibilities in their children’s education.

3. Parental Involvement Plans: Schools are required to develop parent involvement plans that outline strategies for engaging immigrant parents in their child’s education.

4. Multicultural Education: The state encourages schools to promote multicultural education by incorporating diverse cultural perspectives into the curriculum, which helps to create a welcoming environment for all students, including immigrants.

5. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Schools are encouraged to offer interpreters or bilingual staff during parent-teacher conferences to facilitate communication between teachers and immigrant parents who may have limited English proficiency.

6. Family Engagement Centers: Michigan has established Family Engagement Centers in schools with high populations of migrant students and families. These centers provide information and resources on educational opportunities for both parents and students.

7. Training for Educators: The state provides professional development opportunities for educators on how to engage immigrant parents effectively, understand cultural differences, and communicate effectively with diverse families.

8. Migrant Education Program: Michigan has a Migrant Education Program that supports the unique needs of migrant children and their families, including promoting parental involvement in education.

9. Parent Advisory Councils (PACs): Several school districts have created PACs specifically designed to address the needs of immigrant families by providing them with a platform to express concerns or suggestions related to their children’s education.

10. Community Partnerships: School districts partner with community organizations that work with immigrant families to foster collaboration between schools and communities, to improve parent engagement and student achievement.

2. What are the key state policies in place to support immigrant parental involvement in Michigan?


Some key state policies in place to support immigrant parental involvement in Michigan include:

1. The Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Migrant Education coordinates programs and services for migrant students and their families, including parental involvement initiatives such as workshops and training programs.

2. The State Board of Education’s Migrant Parent Advisory Council serves as a forum for parents and community members to provide input on the education needs of migrant students.

3. Michigan’s “No Child Left Behind” waiver includes requirements for schools and districts to provide meaningful opportunities for parental involvement, particularly for English Language Learner (ELL) families.

4. The Michigan Migrant Education Program provides funding for schools to develop and implement parent engagement activities that specifically target immigrant families.

5. The state’s Parent-Teacher Home Visit Program (pthvp.org) encourages teachers to visit the homes of their ELL students’ families in order to build relationships and increase parental involvement in their child’s education.

6. Michigan law requires schools to provide interpreter services during parent-teacher conferences or other school events upon request from non-English speaking parents.

7. Schools are also required by law to provide information about educational rights, resources, and available support services for immigrant families, including translation services as needed.

8. Districts may use federal Title III funds to support family literacy services and resources for immigrant parents who are learning English alongside their children.

9. The Michigan Department of Human Services offers a variety of resources and supports for low-income families, many of whom include immigrant parents, through its Family Independence Agency.

10. Some local organizations such as the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center also work directly with immigrant parents and schools to ensure they are aware of their rights and have access to resources that can help them be more involved in their child’s education.

3. In what ways does the state government of Michigan recognize and value the contributions of immigrant parents in the education system?


The state government of Michigan recognizes and values the contributions of immigrant parents in the education system in several ways:

1. Providing access to education for all children: The state government of Michigan guarantees access to education for all children, regardless of their immigration status. This ensures that children of immigrant parents have equal opportunities to receive an education.

2. Bilingual and ESL programs: The state government offers bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in schools to support non-English speaking students and help them excel academically.

3. Parent-Teacher Conferences: The state government encourages parent-teacher conferences as a means for teachers to communicate with parents about their child’s academic progress, challenges, and needs. This helps create a supportive environment for immigrant parents to engage with the school system.

4. Cultural competency training for educators: The state government provides cultural competency training for educators to better understand and work with students from diverse backgrounds, including immigrant families.

5. Multilingual educational materials: The state government publishes educational resources in different languages to ensure that immigrant parents can access important information about their child’s education.

6. Involvement in decision-making processes: Immigrant parents are encouraged to participate in school decision-making processes through advisory boards and parent councils, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

7. Recognizing cultural diversity: Many schools in Michigan celebrate cultural diversity by organizing events such as multicultural fairs, where students from different ethnic backgrounds can showcase their cultures, traditions, and customs. This promotes inclusivity within the education system, making immigrant families feel valued and appreciated.

8. Partnerships between community organizations and schools: The state government supports partnerships between community organizations and schools to facilitate communication between educators and immigrant families and provide resources for their integration into the community.

Overall, the state government of Michigan recognizes the importance of immigrant parents’ involvement in their children’s education and strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for them to contribute and participate. This helps foster a sense of belonging and promotes academic success for all students in the education system.

4. How does Michigan ensure that language barriers do not hinder immigrant parental engagement in education?


Michigan has several policies and initiatives in place to ensure that language barriers do not hinder immigrant parental engagement in education. These include:

1. Multilingual Education Programs: Michigan offers bilingual and dual-language programs in schools to support the language development of non-English speaking students. These programs promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrant families and encourage them to participate in their children’s education.

2. Translation Services: Many schools in Michigan have implemented translation services, such as interpretation services, multilingual websites, and translated materials, to better communicate with non-English speaking parents. This allows parents to stay informed about their child’s academic progress, school events, and important announcements.

3. Parent Liaisons: Some schools have designated staff members or volunteers who act as liaisons between the school and immigrant families. These liaisons speak the language of the community they serve and are trained to assist parents with navigating the education system and advocating for their children’s needs.

4. Community Partnerships: Michigan has partnerships between schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to provide resources for immigrant families. These partnerships offer adult education programs focused on English proficiency classes, parent workshops on navigating the education system, and cultural events that celebrate diversity.

5. Professional Development for Educators: Michigan provides professional development opportunities for educators on working with diverse populations, cultural competence, and effective communication strategies for engaging parents from different linguistic backgrounds.

Overall, these measures aim to create a more inclusive educational environment that supports immigrant parental engagement. Additionally, schools may also use translation apps or hire interpreters during meetings or conferences with parents who are not proficient in English to ensure effective communication between educators and parents.

5. What incentives or resources are available for schools in Michigan to effectively involve immigrant parents in school activities?


There are several incentives and resources available for schools in Michigan to effectively involve immigrant parents in school activities. These include:

1. Title III Funding: Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools can receive Title III funds specifically designated for supporting English language learners (ELLs). These funds can be used to provide outreach programs and services, such as family engagement activities, to involve immigrant parents in their child’s education.

2. Migrant Education Programs: Michigan has Migrant Education Programs that offer support services and educational opportunities for migrant children and their families. These programs provide resources and support to help migrant families navigate the educational system, including involving parents in school activities.

3. Parent Involvement Websites: The Michigan Department of Education has a dedicated section on its website for parent involvement resources, including information on how schools can effectively engage immigrant parents. It includes resources such as translated materials and tips for building relationships with immigrant families.

4. Multicultural Family Centers: Some schools in Michigan have established multicultural family centers that serve as hubs for connecting immigrant families with necessary resources and providing opportunities for involvement in school activities.

5. Community partnerships: Schools can partner with community organizations such as cultural or religious groups to reach out to immigrant parents and involve them in school activities.

6. Professional Development: The State Board of Education requires all teachers to complete professional development related to working with diverse students, which includes strategies for engaging immigrant parents.

7. Support from Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA): PTA organizations at the state and local levels have initiatives focused on increasing parental involvement among diverse communities, including immigrant families.

8. Language Access Services: Schools are required by law to provide interpretation and translation services for non-English-speaking families during communication with the school or participation in school events.

9. Cultural Competency Training: Some districts offer cultural competency training for teachers and staff to help bridge any cultural gaps that might impede communication and engagement with immigrant parents.

10. Local initiatives: Many schools have developed their own programs and initiatives to involve immigrant parents, such as organizing cultural events or creating parent support groups. These can be great resources for other schools looking to effectively engage immigrant parents.

6. How has the role of state policies evolved over the years to better support immigrant parental involvement in Michigan?


The role of state policies in supporting immigrant parental involvement in Michigan has evolved over the years to become more comprehensive and inclusive. In past decades, state policies focused mainly on providing basic services for immigrants, like education and health care, but did little to address the unique needs of immigrant parents.

With increasing recognition of the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education and social integration, Michigan has taken steps to develop more targeted policies for immigrant parents. These policies aim to create a welcoming environment for immigrant families and help them become more actively involved in their children’s education.

1. Bilingual Education programs: One key policy change was the introduction of bilingual education programs in schools with a high number of immigrant students. These programs provide academic support to students whose first language is not English and also involve parents by offering information sessions in their native language.

2. Parental Engagement Programs: Michigan has also implemented several parent engagement programs that aim to increase communication between immigrant parents and schools. For instance, the Parent-Teacher Home Visits program connects teachers with immigrant families at home, allowing them to discuss their child’s progress in a comfortable setting.

3. Cultural Competence Training for Teachers: State policies have also required teacher training on cultural competence and sensitivity towards diverse populations. This helps teachers better understand the cultural backgrounds of their students’ families and how it may impact their educational experiences.

4. Resource Centers: Several resource centers have been established across Michigan to provide information, resources, and social support for immigrant families. These centers act as hubs where immigrants can access relevant services such as English Language Learning (ELL) classes, job training, or housing assistance.

5. Parent Advisory Councils: Michigan has encouraged schools to establish Parent Advisory Councils representing diverse communities within each school district. These councils serve as a bridge between school administrations and immigrant parents, helping to facilitate dialogue about issues affecting students’ academic achievement.

6.Anti-Discrimination Policies: The state of Michigan has enacted anti-discrimination policies to protect immigrant families from discrimination based on their cultural or linguistic backgrounds. This has created a more welcoming environment for immigrant parents and encourages their involvement in school activities.

Overall, Michigan’s approach to supporting immigrant parental involvement has become more holistic, recognizing the importance of addressing both educational and social needs. These policies have helped create a more inclusive environment for immigrant families in Michigan, making them feel valued and welcomed in their new communities.

7. Is there a specific department or agency within the state government focused on promoting and supporting immigrant parental involvement?


Some states may have departments or agencies that specifically focus on promoting and supporting immigrant parental involvement, while others may not. It is important to research the specific state in question to determine if there is a designated department or agency for this purpose. Some examples of such departments or agencies include:

1. Office of Multicultural Affairs – This office, found in some states, works to promote cross-cultural understanding and support for immigrant parents.

2. Office for New Americans – Some states have an office dedicated to supporting newly arrived immigrants and their families, including promoting parental involvement.

3. Department of Education/State Board of Education – In some states, education agencies such as the Department of Education or State Board of Education oversee programs and initiatives related to immigrant parental involvement.

4. Center for Immigrant Families – A few states have established centers focused on providing resources and support for immigrant families, including promoting parental involvement in education.

5. Newcomer Family Resource Center – Found in a select number of states, this type of resource center offers support services and programs specifically tailored towards newcomer families and their needs, including parent involvement in education.

8. What steps has Michigan taken to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all parents, including immigrants, within the education system?


1. Anti-Discrimination Policies: The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has strict rules and policies in place to prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, and other factors in all public schools.

2. Multilingual Services: Many school districts in Michigan offer multilingual services to families who do not speak English as their first language. This includes interpretation services for parent-teacher conferences and translated materials for important school communications.

3. Cultural Competency Training: Michigan requires all teachers to complete cultural competency training as part of their professional development. This helps teachers understand and embrace the diversity within their classrooms and create a welcoming environment for all students and parents.

4. Guidance for Supporting Undocumented Students: In collaboration with immigrant rights organizations, MDE has issued guidance for schools on how to support undocumented students and their families. This includes safeguarding students’ personal information and providing information on immigration resources.

5. Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Many schools in Michigan have implemented programs or initiatives focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the student body, including encouraging understanding and empathy towards immigrants.

6. Parent Involvement Opportunities: Schools in Michigan actively engage parents in their children’s education by providing various opportunities for involvement, such as parent-teacher associations, workshops, events, and volunteer opportunities.

7. Community Partnerships: Many schools have formed partnerships with community organizations that work with immigrant families to provide them with additional support and resources.

8. Prioritizing Mental Health Support: Schools in Michigan are recognizing the mental health challenges faced by immigrant families due to assimilation stressors and are increasing access to mental health services for students and parents.

9. Immigration Resources: The state government of Michigan has compiled a list of helpful resources for immigrant families on its official website, including information on legal rights, citizenship processes, ESOL classes, healthcare options, etc.

10. Diversity Representation in Curriculum: The MDE encourages schools to include diverse representation in their curriculum, including the contributions and experiences of immigrants, to promote a more inclusive learning environment.

9. Do schools in Michigan offer any specialized programs or services designed specifically for immigrant parents to facilitate their involvement?


Some schools in Michigan may offer specialized programs or services for immigrant parents, however, it would vary from district to district. It is best to contact the specific school or district to inquire about any offerings they may have. Additionally, there are community organizations and resources in Michigan that work with immigrant families to support their involvement in their children’s education.

10.How does Michigan ensure that information and communications from schools are accessible and inclusive for non-English speaking parents?


Michigan has policies in place to ensure that information and communications from schools are accessible and inclusive for non-English speaking parents. These policies include:

1. Multilingual Materials: According to the Michigan Department of Education, schools are required to provide informational materials and documents in languages other than English when at least 10% or 20 students in a school speak the same language other than English as their primary language.

2. Interpreter Services: Schools are required to provide interpreter services for non-English speaking parents during conferences, meetings, and other school events. Schools must also have staff members who can communicate with non-English speaking families or can arrange for interpretation services.

3. Language Assistance Programs: Some schools in Michigan offer language assistance programs that help non-English speaking parents understand important school-related information. These programs may include translation services, bilingual parent liaisons, or community outreach programs.

4. Bilingual Staff Members: Schools are encouraged to hire bilingual staff members who can communicate with non-English speaking parents and help bridge the communication gap.

5. Culturally Responsive Teaching: Michigan’s education standards also emphasize the importance of culturally responsive teaching, which ensures that all students feel included regardless of their cultural background or language proficiency.

6. Translation of School Website and Online Resources: Many schools in Michigan have translated their website and online resources into multiple languages to make them more accessible for non-English speaking parents.

7. Training for Teachers: Teachers in Michigan are trained to work with diverse student populations and meet the needs of English language learners (ELLs). This includes strategies for effective communication with ELLs’ families.

8. Parent Engagement Programs: Schools often organize parent engagement programs specifically targeted towards non-English speaking families, which may include orientations, workshops, and family nights focused on helping these parents understand their child’s education.

9. Community Partnerships: Schools may partner with local community organizations and cultural centers to facilitate communication with non-English speaking parents and provide support to these families.

10. Compliance with Federal Laws: Michigan schools also must comply with federal laws such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin, to ensure that non-English speaking parents have equal access to educational information and resources.

11. What strategies has Michigan implemented to address cultural differences and possible misunderstandings between schools and immigrant parents when it comes to parent-school relationships?


Some strategies that Michigan has implemented to address cultural differences and possible misunderstandings between schools and immigrant parents when it comes to parent-school relationships include:

1. Cultural Competence Training: Michigan offers cultural competence training for school staff and teachers, which helps them understand and respect the cultural backgrounds of their students and develop skills to communicate effectively with families from diverse backgrounds.

2. Language Access Services: The state provides language interpretation services in schools, including bilingual staff or interpreters, telephone interpretation, and translated documents in multiple languages.

3. Parent Engagement Programs: Michigan’s Parent Involvement Task Force encourages schools to engage immigrant parents through workshops, trainings, and events that focus on the needs of immigrant families.

4. Community Partnerships: The state promotes partnerships between schools and community organizations to support immigrant families, such as providing resources for English language learning and connecting families with social services.

5. Multicultural Events: Many schools in Michigan organize multicultural events where students can celebrate their own cultures and learn about other cultures, promoting understanding and appreciation among students, parents, and school staff.

6. Improved Communication: Schools make an effort to communicate with immigrant parents in a culturally sensitive manner by using non-technical language, avoiding jargon, providing relevant information in multiple languages if needed, and considering different communication styles.

7. Parent Advisory Councils: Some schools have established parent advisory councils that represent the diversity of their student population. These councils provide a forum for parents to discuss their concerns and give input on school policies or programs that impact them.

8. Cultural Liaisons or Outreach Coordinators: Some schools have designated staff members or trained volunteers who serve as liaisons between immigrant families and the school system. They help connect families with resources within the school system as well as in the broader community.

9. Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP): This is an instructional model used by many schools in Michigan that helps teachers make content more accessible for English Language Learners (ELLs). It incorporates instructional strategies that promote language development while also teaching academic content.

10. Resources and Support for Immigrant Families: Michigan offers resources and support through various programs to help immigrant families adjust to the school system, such as newcomer programs for students who are new to the country and have limited English proficiency.

11. Inclusive Curriculum: Schools in Michigan have started incorporating more diverse perspectives and cultural representation in their curriculum. This helps students from different cultural backgrounds feel included and also promotes cross-cultural understanding among students and their families.

12. Are there any specific laws or regulations in place that protect the rights and interests of immigrant parents with regards to their participation in their children’s education in Michigan?


Yes, there are laws and regulations in Michigan that protect the rights and interests of immigrant parents with regards to their children’s education. These include:

1. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): This federal law protects the privacy of students’ education records, including information related to their immigrant status.

2. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act: This prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in all programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance, including public schools.

3. Bilingual Education Act: This mandates access to equal educational opportunities for English language learners (ELLs) by providing them with appropriate language instruction and resources.

4. Equal Education Opportunity Act: This requires states and school districts to take action to overcome language barriers that impede students’ equal participation in educational programs.

5. Parental Involvement Policies: Many school districts in Michigan have policies in place that encourage and support the involvement of parents, including immigrant parents, in their children’s education.

6. Language Access Laws: In Michigan, state agencies are required to provide interpretation services free-of-charge to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals when accessing services such as education.

7. Non-Discriminatory Discipline Practices: Schools are not allowed to discriminate against students based on their race, ethnicity or national origin when it comes to disciplinary actions.

8. English Language Learner Programs: Michigan has specific requirements for schools on how they should support ELL students in their language development and academic success.

9. Right to Interpretation Services: Parents have the right to request interpretation services during parent-teacher conferences, meetings and events at school.

10.Higher Education Assistance Opportunities for Immigrants: Certain international or undocumented students may be eligible for state financial aid for higher education through legislation such as the “Michigan Dreamers” legislation signed into law in 2019 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

13. How does Michigan address issues such as financial barriers or transportation challenges that may prevent immigrant parents from being actively involved in school activities?


Michigan has several initiatives in place to address financial barriers and transportation challenges that may prevent immigrant parents from being actively involved in school activities. These include:

1. Federal Title I Program: This program provides funding to schools with high percentages of low-income students. Schools can use this funding for parent engagement strategies, including providing transportation and other resources to involve immigrant parents in school activities.

2. Community Education Centers: Michigan has community education centers located throughout the state, which provide educational, recreational, cultural, and social services to diverse communities, including immigrant families. These centers often serve as a link between schools and families, helping to address transportation barriers by providing transportation services for parents to attend school events and meetings.

3. Translation Services: Michigan requires schools to provide translation services for non-English-speaking parents at no cost. This ensures that language barriers do not prevent immigrant parents from being involved in their child’s education.

4. Parent Mentor Program: The Parent Mentor Program connects trained parents or guardians of students with disabilities who are bilingual or culturally diverse with other families who have children with disabilities in the same linguistic or cultural group. These mentors help bridge the gap between schools and immigrant families by providing support and information on how to navigate the education system.

5. School Liaison Programs: Many schools in Michigan have established liaison programs that work specifically with immigrant families to address their unique needs and help them become more involved in their child’s education. These liaisons often assist with transportation arrangements for parents and provide resources and support for them to participate in school activities.

6. Refugee School Impact Grant (RSIG): The RSIG helps refugee students overcome barriers to academic success by providing translation services, after-school programs, tutoring, language acquisition classes, career counseling, mentorship programs, mental health services, transportation assistance, and other support services for their families.

Overall, Michigan recognizes the importance of involving immigrant parents in their child’s education and has implemented various initiatives to address financial and transportation barriers that may prevent them from being actively involved in school activities.

14. What partnerships, if any, exist between state agencies and community organizations to support and engage with immigrant parents regarding their children’s education?


Partnerships between state agencies and community organizations can vary by state, but in general, there are a few common types of partnerships that may exist to support and engage with immigrant parents regarding their children’s education.

1. Language access partnerships: Many states have partnerships between state education agencies and community organizations that specialize in providing language access services, such as translation and interpretation services. These partnerships ensure that immigrant families have access to important information about their children’s education, such as school policies, academic performance data, and resources for supporting learning at home.

2. Parent engagement programs: Some states have established formal programs or initiatives to promote parent engagement in schools. These programs often involve partnerships between state education agencies and community organizations that work directly with immigrant parents to provide information and resources on how they can support their children’s learning at home.

3. Family literacy programs: There may also be partnerships between state agencies and community organizations focused on promoting family literacy for immigrant families. These programs offer resources such as English language classes for parents, workshops on navigating the U.S. education system, and materials for supporting children’s reading at home.

4. School liaison programs: In some cases, schools may partner with community organizations to hire school liaisons who serve as a bridge between the school and its immigrant families. These liaisons may work closely with educators to help communicate with non-English speaking parents and provide them with important information about their child’s education.

Overall, these partnerships between state agencies and community organizations help facilitate communication and collaboration among educators, students, and families of diverse backgrounds to ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed in school.

15. Are there avenues for feedback or input from immigrant parents on how state policies can be improved to better support their involvement in their children’s education?


Yes, there are several ways for immigrant parents to provide feedback or input on state policies that affect their involvement in their children’s education. Some possible avenues include:

1. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs): Parents can join their local PTA to get involved in decision-making processes and advocate for policies that support immigrant parents’ involvement in education.

2. Immigrant and Refugee Parent Advisory Groups: Some schools or districts may have advisory groups specifically for immigrant and refugee parents. These groups provide a platform for parents to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding policies that impact them.

3. State Education Agencies: Immigrant parents can reach out to their state education agency to provide feedback on policies related to parental involvement in education. Many agencies have dedicated departments or offices that focus on family engagement and welcome input from diverse communities.

4. Public forums and town halls: Some states hold public forums or town halls where community members can voice their opinions on various issues, including education policies. This is a good opportunity for immigrant parents to share their experiences and suggest improvements.

5. Surveys and focus groups: State education agencies may conduct surveys or hold focus groups with parents to gather feedback on current policies and identify areas for improvement.

6. Immigrant-led organizations: There may be community organizations run by immigrants that advocate for the rights of immigrant families in education. These organizations often work closely with state agencies and policymakers, providing an additional avenue for parent input.

Overall, it is important for immigrant parents to stay informed about state policies that impact their involvement in their child’s education, seek out opportunities to provide feedback, and actively engage in the decision-making process to ensure that their voices are heard.

16. What initiatives or programs has Michigan introduced to ensure immigrant parents are actively involved in decision-making processes within the education system?


Michigan has introduced several initiatives and programs to encourage immigrant parents to become actively involved in decision-making processes within the education system. These include:

1. Parent Advisory Councils: The Michigan Department of Education established Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) in each school district to provide a forum for parents, including immigrant parents, to voice their opinions and concerns regarding education policies and programs.

2. Culturally Responsive Schools Framework: The state has implemented a framework that helps schools create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments, which includes strategies for engaging immigrant families and promoting their involvement in the education system.

3. English Language Learner (ELL) Programs: Michigan offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and other support services to help immigrant students learn English and succeed in school. These programs also involve parents by providing them with resources and information on how to support their children’s academic success.

4. Community Partnerships: The state promotes partnerships between schools, community organizations, and cultural groups to engage immigrant families in the education system. These partnerships facilitate communication between schools and parents, promote cultural understanding, and encourage parental involvement.

5. Parent Engagement Centers: Some schools have set up parent engagement centers specifically designed to involve immigrant parents in decision-making processes related to their child’s education. These centers offer translation services, workshops on navigating the American education system, homework assistance for students, and other resources that help facilitate parent involvement.

6. Multilingual Resources: The Michigan Department of Education has developed multilingual resources for immigrant families, including guides on navigating the school system, enrollment procedures, educational rights of non-English speaking students, and other relevant information.

7. Cultural Competency Training: Schools are encouraged to provide training for teachers and staff on cultural competency when working with diverse populations, including immigrant families. This training helps educators understand different cultural backgrounds and facilitates effective communication with parents from diverse backgrounds.

8. Family-School Partnership Program (FSPP): Michigan offers the FSPP, which is a state-wide parent involvement program designed to promote communication, collaboration, and support between schools and families. The program provides resources, training, and technical assistance to schools to foster strong family-school partnerships.

Overall, these initiatives and programs aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrant parents in the education system and encourage their active involvement in decision-making processes.

17. How are the voices and perspectives of immigrant parents from diverse backgrounds represented and included in state-level discussions on parental involvement?


The representation and inclusion of immigrant parents from diverse backgrounds in state-level discussions on parental involvement vary depending on the state and its policies. Here are some ways that their voices and perspectives may be included:

1. Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms: Some states have surveys or feedback mechanisms in place to gather input from immigrant parents. These could include questions related to parental involvement, such as their experiences with their children’s education, barriers they face, and suggestions for improvement.

2. Multilingual Materials: State education departments may provide information and resources in multiple languages to reach non-English speaking immigrant parents. This can help them understand the policies and initiatives related to parental involvement that may impact them.

3. Representation in Advisory Committees: In some states, parent advisory committees are established to gather input from various stakeholders, including immigrants. These committees often have representation from diverse communities to ensure a range of perspectives are considered.

4. Cultural Competence Training: State education departments may provide cultural competence training to educators and school staff to better understand the needs and perspectives of immigrant parents. This can help bridge communication gaps and promote collaborative relationships between schools and families.

5. Participation in Workshops or Conferences: Immigrant parents may be invited to participate in workshops or conferences focused on parental involvement at the state level. These events allow them to share their experiences and ideas with policymakers directly.

6. Partnership with Community-Based Organizations: States may partner with community-based organizations that work closely with immigrant families to gather input on parental involvement policies and initiatives. These organizations can also serve as liaisons between schools, families, and the state education department.

7. Translation Services: Providing translation services at state-level meetings or events enables immigrant parents who do not speak English fluently to participate fully in discussions about parental involvement.

Overall, it is essential for states to actively seek out the voices of immigrant parents from diverse backgrounds and ensure that they are represented in discussions on parental involvement. This can help create more inclusive and effective policies and initiatives that address the unique needs and challenges of these families.

18. How does Michigan promote collaborations between schools, teachers, and immigrant parents for the academic success of students from immigrant families?


Michigan promotes collaborations between schools, teachers, and immigrant parents in several ways:

1. Cultural Competency Training: Many schools and educators in Michigan undergo cultural competency training to better understand the needs and backgrounds of their immigrant students and families. This helps them create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for these students.

2. Multilingual Resources: Michigan provides multilingual resources such as translated documents, interpreters, and language support services to facilitate communication between teachers, schools, and immigrant parents who may not be proficient in English.

3. Family Engagement Programs: Several schools in Michigan have programs specifically designed to engage immigrant families in their children’s education. These programs often include workshops, information sessions, and other activities that help parents understand the education system and support their child’s academic success.

4. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Michigan encourages regular meetings between parents/guardians and teachers to discuss the academic progress of students. Schools also make an effort to schedule these conferences at a time that is convenient for working parents or provide alternative means of communication for those unable to attend.

5. Volunteer Opportunities: Schools in Michigan offer volunteer opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s school and develop relationships with teachers and staff members.

6. Community Partnerships: Many schools partner with community organizations that work with immigrant families to provide additional support and resources for students.

7. School Websites/Portals: Most schools have websites/portals where they share information about school events, educational resources, assignments, grades, etc., making it easier for immigrant parents to stay informed about their child’s academic progress.

8. Parent Workshops/Educational Programs: Some school districts organize workshops or educational programs specifically designed for immigrant parents on topics such as navigating the education system or helping their child succeed academically.

Overall, Michigan recognizes the importance of strong partnerships between schools, teachers, and immigrant parents in promoting the academic success of students from immigrant families. Through these collaborations, schools can better support diverse students and create a more inclusive learning environment for all.

19. Are there any notable success stories or examples of how state policies have positively impacted immigrant parental involvement in Michigan?


Yes, there are several notable success stories and examples of how state policies have positively impacted immigrant parental involvement in Michigan. Some of these include:

1. The Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Great Start has implemented various initiatives to increase parental involvement among immigrant families. One example is the Home Visiting Program, which provides free home visits and support to families with young children. These visits help connect parents with resources and information on how to support their child’s education.

2. The Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (CETP) at Western Michigan University partners with schools and community organizations to provide culturally responsive teacher training. This helps educators understand the unique needs of immigrant students and their families, leading to improved communication and engagement with parents.

3. The WIDA Imagine program, a collaboration between Wayne State University and WIDA (World-class Instructional Design & Assessment), helps schools build stronger relationships with immigrant parents by offering resources for language development, cultural competence, and family engagement.

4. In 2017, Michigan passed the Parent Dashboard Act, which requires the State Board of Education to develop a parent dashboard that provides information about each school district’s performance measures in a user-friendly format. This transparency allows parents from diverse backgrounds to better understand their child’s school performance and advocate for improvements if needed.

5. Michigan’s law enforcement agencies have adopted the Immigration Trust Policy, which limits their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts unless mandated by state or federal law. This policy promotes trust between law enforcement agencies and immigrant communities, making it easier for parents to engage in their child’s education without fear of deportation or other consequences.

Overall, these policies have helped foster a more welcoming environment for immigrant families in Michigan and have positively impacted their involvement in their children’s education.

20. As a state government, what is your long-term vision for increasing and sustaining immigrant parental involvement in education across Michigan?


Our long-term vision for increasing and sustaining immigrant parental involvement in education across Michigan is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in our schools that actively engages and values the contributions of immigrant families.

To achieve this, we will work towards the following goals:

1. Promoting Cultural Competency: We recognize the importance of having culturally competent educators who understand and respect the different cultural backgrounds of their students. We will provide training and resources to help teachers, administrators, and school staff better understand and support immigrant families.

2. Strengthening Communication: Many immigrant parents face language barriers that hinder their ability to effectively communicate with their child’s school. To bridge this gap, we will work to improve communication channels between schools and immigrant families by offering language assistance services, translating important documents into multiple languages, and utilizing technology such as translation apps or video conferencing for parent-teacher conferences.

3. Encouraging Parental Involvement: We believe that parents play a crucial role in their child’s education. Therefore, we will encourage and support immigrant parents’ involvement in their child’s education by hosting workshops on how to navigate the education system, providing opportunities for volunteerism in schools, recognizing and celebrating diverse cultures through events, and creating a platform for parents to voice their opinions and concerns.

4. Addressing Barriers: Immigrant families may face various barriers that prevent them from being fully engaged in their child’s education. We will address these barriers by collaborating with community organizations that can provide support services such as transportation assistance, after-school programs, or legal aid for immigration issues.

5. Celebrating Diversity: Michigan is home to a diverse population of immigrants from various countries with unique cultures and traditions. Our vision is to create an educational environment that celebrates this diversity by incorporating multicultural education into the curriculum and promoting cultural awareness among students.

By implementing these strategies, we hope to create a more inclusive school environment where all families feel welcomed and valued, leading to increased parental involvement and ultimately, better educational outcomes for students across Michigan.