2. Why is this problem important?

Based on a research project I completed in May as part of a course I took with Landmark Education, I found that by looking at research studies completed on challenges people with limited English face, along with solid research studies (Carnegie Foundation, Annie E. Casey, Gates Foundation funded studies, What Counts in School Success, Search Institute assets studies, etc.) on what contributes to school success, and what contributes to the likelihood of being a future drop out, and also the achievement gaps faced by minority students,the picture is gloomy for these students. Currently the solution to 'fixing' the problem is to fund ELL classes and place students in them, with the hope, they will have needs addressed. However there is no continuity with mainstream classes and ensuring that supports are provided in general education.

3. How could the Citizens League make a unique contribution?

I have recommendations for minimal to greater changes in the system and have already met with Sen. Tarryl Clark, REp. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, discussed it with Sen. Becky Lourey, newly elected Patricia Ray, and met with the MN Dept. of Education. I have discussed my findings with Katherine Fennelly, from the Humphrey Institute, who has done extensive research on immigrants in southern MN. She agrees that my research brought up some valid points and she has not heard of any of it ever being discussed. A colleague of mine from when I worked at the MN Dept. of Human Services (for 18 years, leaving in 1/2005) was formerly the director of limited English at DHS. She is from Somalia and is now studying International Education as a masters degree student at the U of MN.

I have tested my findings with people in immigrant communities, and that's where the action must take place. I sent the Citizens comments on the policy series this summer in which the Citizens League was not in full partnership with communities - but holding itself out as knowing 'best'.

This is an opportunity to truly be a partner with the affected communities, ask them directly what they need and play a key role in truly connecting families and providing supports.

School leaders have stated to me that "the families need to be more involved". Yet, the families are not welcomed and provided support by the schools. This is reflected in the Carnegie Foundation study I reviewed.

The research is out there; no one is willing to put it all together and say there is a problem. In the mean time the kids suffer. The Citizens League is in a position to make a contribution and to be the glue that pulls together the schools, state departments, immigrant communities, families and students and elected officials.

4. What are prospects that project would yield recommendations that could be implemented and have a major impact on the problem?

My power point I used to discuss my findings with community leaders includes recommendations. A very simple and inexpensive one is to make an immediate change in the materials used by the Dept of Ed to communicate with parents of kids with limited English. They test on the Flesch test at 11-12th grade reading level, and they include education jargon that even English speaking parents would have difficulty with understanding. There are other changes in the way schools communicate with parents, and other solid recommendations are in the current research.

5. Explain how this problem can be addressed by data, research, and reason? Identify probable sources for data and research.

Some sources are listed above. I did a lot of research, have the reports I mentioned and have downloaded actual studies. The research is there. The project could study the research, gather additional data related to MN and specific districts, and take it to the next step, such as by doing focus groups with parents and communities.

6. Explain how this proposal can be framed without partisan bias.

Everyone, regardless of political interest, would agree that kids need to receive an education that helps them become contributing members of society. I purposely framed my project from the lens of education of kids, their right to have a good education and all the supports they need to be successful in school. Most politicians will agree that No Child Left Behind is not without problems. This research focuses on the student perspective, on what it will actually take to help the student be successful, without blaming schools or teachers. It is also not about more funding. We know that funding does not always get results (John Brandl, my former advisor at the Humphrey Institute, discusses this at length in his book).

It is also not part of the immigrant discussion. Immigrants are entitled to a free and fair education, one that ensures their continuation through grade 12 and graduation, and one that prepares them to contribute to society, rather than be a burden on society.

7. Why would this project be attractive to members?

It is an important opportunity to not only change the future for these children, and their families who are often frustrated, and to be a link (a new role for the Citizens league) in partnering with communities that they are often not communicating with. It is an opportunity to do something about the education quagmire we find ourselves in, with some success.

8. How would this project reach out to under-represented segments of the community?

The project focuses on under-represented segments of the larger community - where the Citizens League has not gone in the past.

9. What is the potential for making this issue visible to a broader public? Why?

MOst of the public cares about students being successful, and the majority are frustrated in some way with the education system. Many people think they have the answer, yet they are not experiencing what the kids or their families are experiencing. The project would open the eyes of the broader public as well as important decision-makers.

10. What resources—funding, experts, etc. might be available to support this project?

I would be willing to participate in the leadership of the project. I have extensive experience leading projects while at DHS. I left the Department to return to graduate school and obtain my graduate certificate in Program Evaluation Studies form the U/Mn Department of Education and Human Development. (I earned my masters (MPA) from the Humphrey Institute in 12/2003). At DHS I was a strategic policy analyst, working on welfare reform issues and have spent 25+ years (at Head Start and then Hennepin County prior to DHS) working with low income people, many of whom had limited English. I was the specialist working with immigrants related to welfare programs. I have alse led many project teams. At this point in my career I recently completed a certificate in teaching English as a Foreign Language, finished a six month leadership program with Landmark Education in September and then in October went to Hanoi Vietnam to help my Vietnamese friend open an English Center and teach English. I am back in the U.S. for awhile to work on ironing out some of the differences in teaching styles and to find better ways of fitting American Curriculum into the "British English" way of teaching and learning that is common in Vietnam.

I know colleagues who would be willing to work on this issue. In addition I have already made contacts with legislators and the Dept. of Education. Students and/or professors at the University of MN (Humphrey Institute and elsewhere) would be interested and it may be a pathway to funding sources. The Search Institute is located in the Twin Cities, and I used some of their research. They may be willing to consult.

Having worked in the largest department at the state, DHS, I know that research and studies can be completed without extensive funding. Most of the cost would be in crunching numbers and publicity, staffing meetings. I know people with PhD's who would be willing to donate services. It could be an internship project linked with the Program Evaluation section at the U of MN- College of Education. In fact, my internsip director (at Neighborhood House) for program evaluation while in the program worked closely with the chair of Program Evaluation at the College of Ed (Jean King, who also was my advisor). Neighborhood House has a long track record in working with kids in after school programs, and in teaching English. I have hands-on experience in data collection, surveying and SPSS while in graduate school and program evaluation.

My experience at the Humphrey Institute and working with the Center for School Change with Joe Nathan will also be helpful. I personally developed plans to start my own charter school.

It is likely I will move forward with this issue out of my own interest. I will be continuing to be in communication with Tarryl Clark this legislative session and also plan to be in communication with Dept of Education. Citizens League would provide the backbone to ensure changes are made.