Tablets needed for refugee students!

One of the effects of Covid-19 has been the transition to virtual learning. While Saint Louis public schools are now providing summer school online, students must possess the necessary technology to access and engage with their courses and teachers. Learning loss over long breaks from school — known as the “summer slide” — is a perennial concern for educators. With an added two months to that break because of school closures and the limitations of virtual learning for low- income students, there’s a fear that there will be even more ground to make up. English Language learners are particularly affected because many of these immigrant and refugee students rely on summer school to help supplement their English learning. The cancellation of school and summer school could put these students even further behind.

This June, the International Institute will host their Teen Summer Learning Program for refugee and immigrant students. This program is designed to provide supplemental math and English practice after the students attend summer school and before the students return to school in August.

With tablets, the International Institute would be able to continue this program virtually—which is vital to ensure that our English Language Learners don’t fall behind in their classes.

After the program concludes in July, the tablets could be used at the After- School Program for students to use. We anticipate that schools will continue to put a majority of classwork and assignments online.

More information about the International Institute of Metropolitan St. Louis (International Institute of St. Louis): To help immigrants and their families be productive Americans and to champion ethnic diversity as a cultural and economic strength.