They are not talking about disabilities, but we can learn from the support system they have created. And it talks about supporting bilingual kids (I’m raising my two children bilingually in Japanese and English, and way into encouraging heritage language learning). And, it’s Junction City, right here in the Willamette Valley!
“It’s painful to see kids not make it here,” said McRae, who’s in his 16th year at the high school, the past six as principal. “So that’s why, ever since 2012, we’ve started this process to determine who and why they aren’t making it. It’s a process of discovery, of soul-searching really. I mean, there’s no reason why kids who are considered ‘disadvantaged’ can’t achieve the same as others … we reject that notion.”
“In addition to expansion of its college readiness program, the school has implemented Puertas Abiertas, a Lane Community College leadership class for Latino youth. Puertas Abiertas, translated, is “Open Doors.” The class is open to juniors and seniors — Juan and Margarita Olivas both were participants last school year — who are considered “bicultural students.”
“There’s an emphasis on allowing students to feel good about Latino heritage and be biculturally proficient in both worlds,” said McRae. “They share their experiences and the experiences of others, and get college credit for the class.”
Learning Differences in ESL 