Asian immigrant students learning a new language in the United States face additional barriers to passing standardized test and parents aren’t in a position to help them, reports the International Examiner.
Greater access to educational policies about these tests are essential if parents are to help their children navigate these tests, according to Susan Wallace, English Language Learner program coordinator at Olympic Hills Elementary in Washington.
Wallace stresses the student’s first language must not be abandoned at home, instead it should be used to help students develop the critical thinking skills they’ll need to pass the test.
Natasha Merchant, education professor at the University of Washington Bothell, says the environment at home must be nurturing and provide a measure of support to make learning easier for the student. Parents must do what they can to keep stress to a minimum.
You can read some of the stories of immigrant students and their struggles with passing standardized tests in the International Examiner.
