TESTIMONY
Kesi Gordon, Senior Manager of Education Policy at the New York Immigration Coalition, on the Challenges of Remote Learning for Immigrant Students
1:59:35
·
3 min
Kesi Gordon discusses the systemic challenges immigrant students face with remote learning in New York City.
- New York City Public Schools' transition to remote learning did not account for technical challenges, impacting 36,000 immigrant children in temporary shelters.
- The digital divide and lack of resources like reliable internet and language services exacerbate accessibility issues for immigrant students.
- Over 20% of students were unable to access remote classes due to the city's failure to prepare adequately.
- Gordon recommends city investment in professional development for schools with a large number of immigrant students and better support for families transitioning to remote learning.
Kesi Gordon
1:59:35
Good afternoon, and thank you, Joseph, and members of the Education Committee.
1:59:39
My name is Casey Gordon, and I'm the senior manager of education policy at the New York Immigration Coalition, NYC.
1:59:46
The NYC is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization.
1:59:49
For more than 200 groups serving immigrants and refugees across New York State.
1:59:53
With over 30 years of experience in education reform, the NYIC's education collaborative has been at the forefront of improving the quality of public education for New York City English language learners.
2:00:07
And immigrant students.
2:00:09
We're here today to address a matter of great concern that became glaringly evident during the recent learning day, the city's unpreparedness for a full transition to remote learning.
2:00:20
Despite early announcements to switch New York City Public Schools to remote learning, administrative not account for potential technical challenges.
2:00:28
This particularly impacted 36,000 immigrant children living in temporary shelters and those in need of translation services.
2:00:36
Remote Learning exposed the long standing digital divide for immigrant students.
2:00:42
And l and students in students in temporary housing have often have limited access to computers, reliable Internet, necessary language services to navigate online learning.
2:00:52
Immigrant students and elves are still facing compounding barriers to accessing remote learning.
2:00:58
While being expected to show up and perform at the same level as their peers.
2:01:02
Near city public schools claim to have conducted tests and the functionality of remote learning systems prior to making the decision to conduct instruction online on February 13.
2:01:13
How are these tests did not encompass the scalability required for a system wide remote day, and over 20% of students were unable to access their remote classes.
2:01:22
And while this might seem like a small percentage of students, this number could represent some of the most vulnerable students already at risk of interrupted learning.
2:01:30
New York City Public Schools fail to properly prepare parents, to ensure their children have the necessary equipment, to meaningfully park participate in virtual classrooms.
2:01:39
And at the same time, New York City Public Schools did not account for the fact that parents would need to arrange for childcare for that day.
2:01:46
And these disparities are worse for families living in temporary shelters, and it is well known that there are higher rates of absenteeism for immigrant student.
2:01:54
From low income households.
2:01:56
Making sudden changes without the proper preparation for both schools and students makes it more difficult to continue participation.
2:02:03
This situation is far from acceptable and falls short of the standards set for supporting children and families during uncontrollable interruptions such as snow these.
2:02:12
The recent failures in remote learning show that while some changes haven't made, there has not been much progress towards equitable approaches for immigrant students.
2:02:21
And while New York City Public Schools aim to continue instruction for students, we will ensure that all students have access to instructions.
2:02:28
Especially those who need additional support both in and outside of the classroom.
2:02:33
And along with ensure that families have the proper resources, and support the transition to remote learning days.
2:02:39
The city must invest 500,000 in comprehensive high schools with large number immigrant students.
2:02:44
To receive professional development and best practices on how to welcome investor, remembering an asylum seeking students.
2:02:53
And I have more recommendations for the city that I'll submit in my written testimony.
2:02:58
But the city can take these steps to help families transition to remote learning and help immigrant families gain access to tools and services needed for integration.
2:03:07
And this will require investment not cards for immigrant and native students alike to excel even in extreme circumstances.
2:03:14
Thank you.