Presented by: Jennifer Daves, M.A. Ed. District ELD Program Coordinator Jenks Public Schools...
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Connecting Diverse Cultures Refugee Families in the U.S . Presented by: Jennifer Daves, M.A. Ed. District ELD Program Coordinator Jenks Public Schools September 6, 2011
Presented by: Jennifer Daves, M.A. Ed. District ELD Program Coordinator Jenks Public Schools September 6, 2011
Presented by: Jennifer Daves, M.A. Ed. District ELD Program
Coordinator Jenks Public Schools September 6, 2011
Slide 2
International & U.S. law recognize a refugee as someone
outside his or her own country with a well-founded fear of
persecution in that country based on race, religion, nationality,
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. In
addition, U.S. law recognizes that in certain circumstances persons
still within their home countries may be considered as
refugees.
Slide 3
Refugee Policy The U.S. provides substantial protection and
assistance to refugees both in the United States and throughout the
rest of the world. Responding to the needs of refugees serves
important U.S. humanitarian and foreign policy goals.
Slide 4
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has adjusted its focus away
from large refugee admissions programs developed during the Cold
War, to more diverse refugee groups requiring protection for a
variety of reasons, including religious belief.
Slide 5
In Burma (Myanmar), the Government actively suppresses most
non-Buddhist religions (particularly for minority ethnic groups
such as the Karen and Chin).
Slide 6
Catholic Charities, Tulsa Awarded federal grant to sponsor
relocation of refugee families. YWCA, Tulsa Awarded federal grant
to sponsor relocation of refugee families.
Identified Burmese Language Students (Including Chin, Karen,
Zo, Zomi & Kuki) 06-07: 31 07-08: 39 08-09: 90 09-10: 129
10-11: 198 11-12: 242* (*as of 8/11)
Slide 11
CDC study published in journal of Social Science & Medicine
identified the most common trauma events experienced by refugees.
Hiding in the jungle 79% Forced relocation 67% Lost property 66%
Destruction of houses and crops 48% Forced labor 50%
Slide 12
Missing or lost family members 29% Death of family or friend
while in hiding because of illness or food shortage 19% Murder of
family or friend 7% Rape 3% of women & 3% of men
Slide 13
Do not have family last names Named for other family members
Families encounter confusion with name differences in western
culture Customary to address adults with titles, Mr., Mrs.,
Ms.
Slide 14
Avoid walking in front of others Apologize if you accidently
pick up something belonging to another person If invited to eat
with them, refuse first, IF they ask you repeatedly, accept, but
gently They may say No when an affirmative answer might seem more
appropriate. Saying No is a way to be modest.
Slide 15
Looking a speaker in the eye can be considered an act of
challenge Chin students will not normally establish eye contact
with the teacher.
Slide 16
Generally described as highly motivated Refugee communities are
well knit & organized Religion is very important & source
of community cohesion Tend to be very polite & modest
Slide 17
Little understanding of the job application & interview
process Selling oneself seems an alien process Eye contact may not
be made during interviews Once hired, may not ask many questions-
need guidance through the entire process of orientation- to
workplace, school, etc
Slide 18
Appropriate dress may be an issue Coming from hot, humid
climates & relocating in OK, need to be taught the importance
of wearing: Socks Winter shoes Coats, hats, gloves
Slide 19
What similarities exist between U.S. culture and Burmese
refugee culture?
Slide 20
What differences between U.S. culture and Burmese refugee
culture exist?
Slide 21
Any student born outside of the United States, attending U.S.
schools, during their first year, is exempt from Reading/Writing
assessments (CRT/EOI). These students must take all other
assessments.
Slide 22
Culture Shock.. How can we as educators, help bridge our newest
citizens to our educational system?
Slide 23
Refugees From Burma-Their Backgrounds and Refugee Experiences-
Published by the Center for Applied Linguistics.
Slide 24
Thank you for your interest in learning more about JPS newest
student population.
