Willamette ESD Human Resources

Twenty-four Local Education Agencies (LEAs) provide supplemental instruction and support services to approximately 3,000 students in grades K-12. Presently there are 28 instructional assistants providing services. In some buildings, the assistants supplement the program with native language instruction. Funds and services are subcontracted to the LEAs.

Support Services

During the school year, support services are provided by the individual school districts. Through the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) grant, three book distributions are held during the regular school year serving all of Region 16. Bilingual books are offered when available. Other services include participation in the César E. Chávez Leadership Conference, the Russian Student Leadership Institute, the Oregon Hispanic & Migrant Student Leadership Institute, and limited translation assistance is available.

Recruiting Efforts

All migrant staff members are trained to recruit at their local sites. One Head Recruiter provides assistance throughout the six counties. Eleven staff members are designated as Recruiters/Home-School Consultants/Instructional Assistants throughout Region 16. Flyers are distributed at different places such as stores, laundromats, churches, ect. Monthly meetings for recruiters are held, which also include current educational topics and issues of interest and concern.

Parent Involvement

Each school district provides parent involvement, and the migrant program supports those efforts with supplies and staff members. Migrant parents are included in some site councils. Each year, La Margarita restaurant in Salem hosts a brunch for Region 16 migrant families; this is their way to give back to the community.

What educational services are provided in the Migrant Education Program?

Each school district offers services appropriate to its particular needs, population and location. Naturally, these may vary widely, however, the following services are those most generally provided:

Supportive health services, including medical, dental, nutritional and psychological services, in cooperation with other agencies.
Preschool programs designed to prepare migrant children for a successful school experience.
Meaningful migrant parent involvement.
Vocational training and career counseling.
English as a second language (ESL) and bilingual instruction for those children who speak little or no English.
Intercultural education that develops skills of cultural appreciation, understanding and conflict resolution.
An assurance of sequence and continuity between schools in the instructional program by coordinating the use of textbooks, test materials and methods.
Special teachers, tutors, and aides to work with students individually or in small groups on areas of academic weakness.
Summer school programs to supplement the regular school program.
GED/Secondary programs.
24-hour Accident Insurance.
Identification and Recruitment
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)