Parent Outreach

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A talented team of bilingual and bicultural workers called Parent/Community Specialists provides outreach and services for limited English-speaking parents in the Portland Public Schools through a variety of ways: Translation and Interpretation Services, Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meetings, Citizenship Classes, Cultural Brokering, and Referral to Agencies and Services. In addition, Native Language Facilitators who provide classroom support for teachers and students also assist in communication between home and school for parents who speak little or no English.

Parent Advisory Council Meetings

Parent Advisory Council (PAC) group meetings are organized by Parent/Community Specialists for limited English-speaking parents to discuss important school and community issues and share information. PAC meetings deal with topics such as school programs, parenting, safety, health, U.S law and culture, and immigration law. Current PACs are Cambodian, Farsi, Somali, Spanish-speaking, Sudanese, and Vietnamese. When issues affect many different language groups, joint PACs among different groups are held with interpretation into multiple languages.

Cultural Brokering

Individually and through PACs, Parent Community Specialists help immigrant parents to understand the written and unwritten laws and norms of American society. They provide guidance and support for families by explaining issues encountered during acculturation. Parent/Community Specialists help immigrant parents learn about school expectations and about services provided by various social service agencies.

Citizenship Classes

Parent/Community Specialists help prepare immigrant parents for citizenship through group classes and individual tutoring. Classes are taught in English and native language to ensure understanding of U.S. history, government, and culture.

Referral to Agencies and Services

Parent/Community Specialists work closely with area healthcare and social service agencies and, at the parent’s request, will make referrals to school social workers, healthcare services, and other agencies as needed to assist families in meeting basic needs and making successful cultural adjustments.