Editorial: Schools’ extra effort will help Hispanics

Monday, Sept. 29, 2003 | 8:41 a.m.

We are impressed with the efforts of teachers and principals within the Clark County School District who are reaching out to the parents of their Hispanic students. It's important that these parents feel welcome in Las Vegas and that they be invited to play strong roles in their children's education. It's a given that parental involvement improves student achievement. But if a parent speaks only Spanish and the student is learning in English, there can be a disconnect, one that affects learning.

Nearly one-third of the district's enrollment of 267,000 students is Hispanic. It's vital that teachers and principals recognize that parents in a new country might need an invitation to feel like they are part of the community. At an open house at Lunt Elementary School earlier this month, Hispanic parents were greeted with more than an assessment of their children's educational progress. They were given schedules for English classes as a way to encourage them to learn the language right along with their children. And they were given brochures from the Mexican consulate, informing them of a wide range of ways they can participate in community life.

The program at Lunt and other district schools resulted from teachers and administrators who traveled to Mexico during the summer months, to learn more about the country where many of their students are from. Extra efforts like this are just what is needed to help Hispanic students improve their grades and feel less estranged in their new surroundings. Lunt Principal Elena Villa was talking our language when she said, "Our focus here is on the children...and whatever it takes to educate them." Reaching out to the parents is a proven way to improve education, and we hope this program grows to include all Clark County schools.