Immigrant Integration
Students from non-English-speaking backgrounds are the fastest growing segment of the K–12 student population in the United States. An increasing number of these students are newcomers—recent arrivals to the United States who have limited or no English language proficiency and who often have had limited formal education in their native countries.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, California and other traditional immigrant-destination states still have the highest numbers of recent arrivals, however, the sharpest growth in these populations are now experienced in states like Nevada, North Carolina, and Georgia. Not only is there an increasing need for immigrant integration, but there is also a demand in geographic areas without a long tradition of welcoming and orienting newcomers.
Several of CAL’s projects and resources are designed to support the implementation of programs for immigrant students. Our work in this area is based on elements that have been shown to build successful newcomer programs. These elements are: parental involvement, developing students’ academic English literacy skills, providing access to the content courses that lead to college and career readiness, and guiding students’ acculturation to U.S. schools and their eventual participation in civic life and the global economy.
Projects
Welcoming School Communities
CAL is collaborating with Welcoming America on the Welcoming School Communities pilot project designed to engage school communities in the creation of a more welcoming climate for newcomers.
Bienvenidos Project
CAL provided technical assistance to the National Council of La Raza to provide vital services to NCLR’s network of affiliate organizations.
Exemplary Programs for Newcomer English Language Learners at the Secondary Level
Project goals included identify exemplary programs for newcomer English language learners in middle and high school; gain a better understanding of the multiple approaches the programs use to support the students’ academic achievement; and widely disseminate findings on effective practices and policies.
Resources

Helping Newcomer Students Succeed in Secondary Schools and Beyond
This research project consisted of a national survey of secondary school newcomer programs; compilation of program profiles into an online, searchable database; and case studies of 10 of these programs, selected for their exemplary practices.
Services
CAL offers a wide range of professional development and technical assistance services for service providers, schools, and communities working with newcomer populations. Based on our decades of experience, CAL can customize our services to meet your needs and budgets. Email CAL to learn more.
Service Spotlight: New CAL Institute
Newcomers in Your School: Cultural Connections and Instructional Strategies
August 9-10, 2016 Washington, DC
Given the increasing tide of newcomer youth entering U.S. schools, it is critical to address the cultural, social, and academic needs of these students and their families. CAL offers professional development that includes practical resources for building a welcoming environment, both socially and instructionally, for all students.
This institute is designed for PreK-12 teachers, administrators, and practitioners, such as social workers, counselors, and after-school specialists, who work in educational settings with newcomer students and their families. CAL encourages teams of educators and practitioners to attend.
News & Events
Identifying and Serving the Unique Needs of the Immigrant and Refugee Populations in the US and throughout the World
Creating Safe Spaces for Diverse Populations: How to be Culturally Humble
Pre-Conference Institute: Building Welcoming Schools: Pathways to Immigrant Student Success
This informative and topical institute is designed to engage educators in interactive dialogue about the policy, research, and practical aspects of school welcome for English learners and immigrant students.