C treece project 3 rough draft
- 1. A typical day at school . . .
- 2. . . . the bell rings . . .
- 3. . . . students go to class . . .
- 4. . . . and spend the day learning and socializing
- 5. But what if the ringing of the bell meant nothing to you
- 6. and your only experiences with education were lessons from your elders
- 7. what if you had to learn how to go to school?
- 8. Learning How to Go To School The Somali educational experience
- 9. Somalia . . .
- 10. . . . inhabited since 9000 BC by a proud and graceful people
- 11. In 1991 . . . . . . dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown by rebelling clans
- 12. And the country was thrown into Civil War . . .
- 16. By 1993 . . . . . . it is estimated that over 300,000 Somalis were killed
- 17. . . . and over one million Somalis were displaced. . . . . . that is almost half the population of Somalia . . .
- 18. GONE
- 19. The displaced were sent to refugee camps in Kenya . . . . . . but many have found their way to the United States . . .
- 20. Over 30,000 Somali refugees currently live in King County, Washington . . . . . . where they learn to adapt to a new country and culture.
- 21. Many Somali teenagers find it hard to adjust to the American educational system . . . and they struggle to stay in school
- 22. Known as “Newcomers” . . . . . . some Somali students must learn what it means to go to school . . .
- 23. From what to do in a classroom . . . . . . to how to interact with their fellow students and teachers.
- 24. In addition to learning the English language and core curriculum . . .
- 25. . . . students must learn how to go to school.
- 27. In 2008, teachers at Renton High School began The Newcomers Class in order to help Somali refugees learn how to be students .
- 28. Students spend the entire day in a self-contained classroom with two teachers devoted to the class.
- 29. Students learn English and other elements of the core curriculum, such as math, science, and history during a morning session.
- 30. Afternoon sessions focus on how to be a student . . .
- 31. Basic school structures are covered. . . . . . such as what students should do when the bell rings . . .
- 32. . . . and how to sit quietly in a classroom.
- 33. Students learn concepts such as borrowing and returning . . .
- 34. . . . raising your hand to ask a question . . .
- 35. . . . and listening to your teacher.
- 36. Note-taking and using a computer are also covered . . .
- 37. Students are encouraged to celebrate their culture and traditions
- 38. The Newcomers Class throws a food festival, inviting the entire school to sample their traditional foods.
- 39. The Newcomers Class helps the students become active participants in their high school experience.
- 40. Students stay in The Newcomers Class for at least one semester, but are welcome to stay for the entire school year.
- 41. At the end of the year, students are graduated into mainstream classes and are ready to join their fellow students.
- 42. From 2008 to 2011, 57 students have gone through The Newcomers Class . . . . . . 35 students are currently attending Renton HS as regular students . .
- 43. 11 have graduated . . . . . . and 7 students are currently attending college.
- 44. The Newcomers Class offers students a chance at success . . . . . . and gives them the tools they need to fulfill their dreams.
- 45. Is your school prepared to help students learn how to go to school?
- 46. Schools with a high refugee population need The Newcomers Class
- 47. These students deserve a chance. . .