Helping Latino parents navigate the education system: this initiative resulted in a more effective way to communicate with Latino families, removing a barrier to student success.

Wouldn't it be ideal if, 10 years from now, there was no gap between our Hispanic English language learners and other students? In Orange County we think it is possible. The challenge is not a new one, nor is it unique to "the OC," but when the local newspaper, the Orange County Register, focused an in-depth series on the hardships facing English language learners, it was clear that our Latino students wanted academic success, but their efforts were not being backed with support that extended beyond the classroom.

The Register series revealed a variety of barriers to success for Hispanic students, and exposed their negative experiences in our schools. The articles led to the creation or a collaborative effort by the Orange County Department of Education, the Orange County Business Council, the Orange County Register and the Orange County United Way to confront these challenges through a unique program called the Latino Educational Attainment (LEA) Initiative.

The most pressing question for the collaborative was, "How do we make a difference for English language learners?" To find the answers, the collaborative set out on a series of activities to identify and create solutions to this pressing issue. What was the scope of the challenge?

One of the first and most enlightening activities undertaken was to convene a number of parent focus groups throughout Orange County. Small groups of Latino parents provided insight into their expectations for their children, as well as identifying the difficulties they have in navigating the K-12 educational system.

We found that these parents have very high expectations for their children and want the very best the educational system has to offer. We also found that our educational system can be confusing, challenging and downright unfriendly when communicating with non-English speaking parents. The various members of the LEA Initiative began seeking more effective ways of communicating and establishing family-friendly procedures for navigating the education system. It was agreed that three principles would provide the foundation of the LEA Initiative:

* It would be neighborhood-based rather than school-based;

* It would align with and leverage existing programs without creating new ones; and

* It would help existing efforts become more powerful.

The workplace, the church and other community organizations were quickly identified as valuable partners in helping students and their families get the most from our schools.

Based on focus group outcomes, and to assist community groups and local employers in promoting better communication between schools and non-English-speaking parents, the "Ten Education Commandments for Parents Facilitator's Guide" was developed by LEA Initiative members. The guide provides information to address parent concerns and gives very specific information in areas such as understanding the grading system, helping children study, dealing with grade-level standards and preparing for college and university entry.

With the help and encouragement of participating employers, churches and community groups, Latino parents, grandparents and others use the material found in the guide to support rigorous educational goals for their students. The guide is also a tool that encourages and supports parental involvement, improves parent knowledge of the educational system, and unites parents, schools and teachers as one team.

Ten Education Commandments

The main goal of the "Ten Education Commandments for Parents" is to support parents engaging in their child's successful academic development and to help improve academic results for Latino students. The guide contains talking points and suggestions for each of the 10 directives, as well as practical information to help parents and students. Here is a brief overview of the 10 education commandments:

1. Commit as a family to be involved in school. The guide affirms the important role of each family member in student success, and identifies ways that facilitators can help families get more involved with their children's education.

2. Do my part in helping my child study. Parents are encouraged to set aside study time for their students, and to establish routines that will promote good study habits.

3. Understand how grades work. In this section, the A-F grading system is explained and parents can learn how to calculate their student's grade point average. Adults are told about grade-level competency standards and are encouraged to monitor report cards for attendance, behavior and effort, and letter grades.

4. Learn how schools are ordered. This describes basic levels within the U. S. educational system, and provides an explanation about each level from preschool through college and university. Within this section parents are again encouraged to monitor report cards and to maintain good communication with teachers and other adults involved in their child's education.

5. Learn what my child needs to graduate successfully from high school. Taking a look at what to expect in grades 9-12, parents are informed about grade-level requirements, and given information about how to support their student throughout the high school experience. Information is also provided about the California High School Exit Exam and other considerations.

6. Help my child prepare for college early. Talking points include information about the Scholastic Aptitude Test and other entrance exams, as well as advice about required courses for college entrance. Parents are encouraged to meet with school counselors to develop an educational plan for their children, and to give them confidence to succeed.

7. Realize college is affordable. Various options for seeking financial aid and scholarships are covered, as well as defining work-study programs and college loans.

8. Support the learning of mathematics, science and English. These core studies are part of student life from kindergarten through university, and parents are urged to support their children by pursuing tutors and providing adequate study time.

9. Encourage my child to take honors and advanced courses. This point gives details about advanced and honors courses, discusses the increased difficulty of the courses, and explains weighted grade values.

10. Teach my child to hope and visualize their future. Parents are encouraged to communicate the hope and potential for their well-educated children. Visualizing a positive and successful future is the first step in having one.

Parent engagement

In the conclusion of the Facilitator's Guide, two key factors are identified in improving student achievement: teacher quality and parent engagement. It is exciting to think about what the future holds for our students as parents and community partners become more involved in their success. Since the launch of the LEA Initiative's Facilitator's Guide in June 2005, we have found overwhelming interest and support from local community groups, churches and businesses. These groups have helped distribute and explain the guide to parents county-wide.

We are certain that this collaborative effort and investment in support of parents helping their children through the entire K-12 experience will pay huge dividends down the road. Every dollar spent will save hundreds of dollars in future social costs. Only through this collaborative effort can we hope to make our county a better place to live, work and educate all children in the long run.

A copy of the 32-pageguide is available in English or Spanish from the Orange County Business Council, [phone].

William M. Habermehl is Orange County Superintendent of Schools.