| Hmong Enrichment Options (HEP) |  |  Hmong Enrichment Programs (HEP)
Approximately
10,600 Hmong students are enrolled in Saint Paul Public Schools, but many do not know how to read and write in their native
language. Hmong Enrichment Programs are designed to teach Hmong
students about their culture and language, to better support
transference of language skills to English, and to promote a better
understanding and appreciation of Hmong culture among all students and
their families. Familiarity with their own culture and language
enhances Hmong students’ sense of cultural pride, furthers their
academic success, and strengthens connections with family members,
especially those who speak little or no English.
In order to meet
the needs of teachers, the ELL department has provided cultural kits
and several hours of training on Hmong culture to more than 450
mainstream elementary teachers, and will continue to offer professional
development throughout 2006-2007 at each school site. Additionally, the
Hmong-English Picture Dictionary is distributed to all educational
assistants to better serve Hmong students. It is available to be used
in classrooms, libraries and schools.
Hmong Literacy Program
This
daytime school program gives Hmong-speaking students an opportunity to
develop literacy in both Hmong and English, and to develop academic
knowledge in both languages. Students participating in this program
learn how to read and write in Hmong.
Additive or enrichment
programs such as the Hmong Literacy Program develop students’ first
language while helping them to gain proficiency in English. Research
shows that developing students’ native language can accelerate their
academic growth, helping to narrow the achievement gap between ELLs and
their native English-speaking classmates. Research also shows that
students who can read and write in more than one language and students
who have literacy in their first language outscore their monolingual
English-speaking peers on standardized tests.
Schools offering the Hmong Literacy Program are:
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
Embedding Hmong Culture in the K-6 Social Studies Curriculum
We
know that multicultural education leads to greater understanding and
appreciation of diversity among students and staff. In order to provide
SPPS staff with information and resources about the culture of our
Hmong students, the ELL department developed ‘Embedding Hmong Culture
into the K-6 Social Studies Curriculum.’ While working on social
studies standards with their students, elementary teachers complement
the curriculum with information about Hmong culture. Lessons in the
‘Embedding Hmong Culture’ kit cover a broad range of topics, including
family life, the story cloth, basic Hmong language, cultural
celebrations and ceremonies, music, food, folktales, and history.
Since
‘Embedding Hmong Culture’ was introduced in 2003, over 450 teachers
from elementary schools throughout the district have been trained to
implement this curriculum. In order to continue meeting the needs of
all students while accommodating the time limitations of teachers, the
ELL department offers training at school sites.
Culture, Language, Art, ‘n’ Dance (CLAnD)
This
is an after-school program that provides all students with an
opportunity to learn more about Hmong culture, dance, and language.
Local cultural experts lead the programs at school sites, generating
opportunities for Hmong students, parents and the community to connect
and create relationships.
CLAnD students participate in
district-wide celebrations—for example, dancers perform at
end-of-the-year celebrations, art students share art and textile work
—so that all SPPS students and families can learn more about Hmong
culture.
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