Making Americans: Stories of Historic Struggles, New Ideas, and Inspiration in Immigrant Education

In this empathetic call for change, high school teacher Lander (Driving Backwards) offers concrete plans for reforming immigrant education in the U.S. Noting that almost one in four students under the age of 17 is an immigrant or the child of immigrants, Lander surveys innovative programs across the country and interviews teachers, students, and community leaders. She also delves into historical precedents, including the Americanization Movement in the late 19th century, which led to the practice of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and explains how WWI ignited a surge of nativism that contributed to sweeping immigration restrictions and the segregation of immigrant children in public schools. Despite such reforms as the 1974 Supreme Court ruling that public schools must provide bilingual education programs, Lander argues that more needs to be done. She identifies eight essential elements for helping immigrant students thrive, including acceptance, assurances of security, and recognition of strengths, and spotlights such successful programs as the Global Village Project, a private school in Clarkson, Ga., for female refugees from Afghanistan, Burma, Syria, and elsewhere. Throughout, Lander buttresses her case with stirring profiles of her former students. The result is an inspirational must-read for educators, policymakers, and parents. (Oct.)