School Talk

Talking to the parents of English-language learners: This publication explores the need to reach out to Latino parents, highlighting the School Talk radio show themes and community response to these Spanish-language broadcasts (Nov 2009)

En español: En español "school talk" quiere decir Plática Escolar y esto es lo que usted encontrará, durante el año, en tres radios difusoras en español cada semana (noviembre del 2009)

Efren Carrillo, Sonoma County Supervisor, gives an inspirational message on the importance of education in realizing the American Dream. The son of immigrants, he remembers the hard work and constant encouragement of his parents, which he says was his biggest motivator. He recounts his history through Santa Rosa schools, his progression to university, and the honor and responsibility he feels as the first Hispanic supervisor.

Dr. Ruben Armiñana, president of Sonoma State University, inspires students to continue along their path to higher education. He speaks of the economics of intelligence and the importance of conviction and drive. He also stresses the importance of student enrollment in the a-g courses during their high school years.

Patricia Rendon is a bilingual preschool coach for the Teachers Acquiring Language Learner Knowledge (TALLK) program, which is funded by First 5 Sonoma County and administered by SCOE. She provides tips on how to enrich the vocabulary of preschool children to ensure kindergarten readiness. Her expertise in this area is utilized in coaching and mentoring preschool teachers at various sites around the county.

Isabel Cisternas, with Community Action Partnership (CAP), discusses the Pasitos School Readiness program, which is funded by First 5 Sonoma County. Through this program, parents of preschool students receive training and participate in activities with their children to help them get ready for kindergarten. The weekly program is offered at various Santa Rosa school sites.

Rafael Vasquez is the director of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services at Santa Rosa Junior College. He describes this initiative, which is designed to make the Junior College experience accessible and rewarding for first-generation college students, high school dropouts, ESL students, and students with low English or math achievement levels.