Migrant Education Region IV
Regional Migrant Leadership Program
A high percentage of the 31,500 migrant students attending school in Fresno County face multiple obstacles in achieving academic success. Statistical data reflects that they frequently do not meet local and state standards in reading, language, and math. With limited English language skills, poor academic performance, substandard living conditions, little access to health care, soaring retention rates, and a growing sense of isolation from the greater society, many migrant students seem destined to remain in the cycle of poverty.
It is painfully evident that migrant students are in trouble academically, and current educational practices do not adequately support their needs. As a response to this academic crisis, the FCOE Migrant Leadership Academy was created to utilize an alternate approach to support student success. Through a series of leadership camps, one-day sessions, district based after-school trainings, and extra-curricular clubs, students have embraced the five elements of the leadership philosophy:
- Developing goals and direction in life
- Four stages of leadership
- Three “R’s” – Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness
- Three “C’s” – Communication, Cooperation, and Commitment
- Three “F’s” – Fun and Fail Forward
Students learn to perceive failure as an opportunity to grow instead of an end. This creates an exhilarating momentum of purpose and achievement. A heightened sense of self-confidence materializes, and the student is empowered to lead himself in a positive direction. The principles of success are internalized and practiced. Both teachers and parents often comment about the positive changes in student behavior and academics.
If you wish to learn more about this project, you may e-mail Marsha Wernick, Migrant Education Coordinator.
