The School Navigator Program is part of a joint venture designed by members of the New-American Collaborative, an
association of community-based agencies serving newly arrived immigrant communities, which includes SCC. The Russian-
speaking community in Shakopee, where our program is located, operates in isolation from the greater community. As a
result, young children lack exposure to the U.S. culture prior to their entry into school, have limited English language
exposure and very limited life experiences as compared to their majority, English speaking peers in Kindergarten.
Research suggests that well documented educational disparities between Twin City area immigrant children and US-born
European-American children, begins when immigrant/children of color enter kindergarten with skills that are already a
year or more behind their European-American peers. Without immediate attention, educational disparities become even
more pronounced, as children are socially promoted to the next grade level, widening the gap over time. The direct
involvement of children’s parents in the educational process is an important predictor to educational success. Fortunately,
SCC is there to teach parents about the U.S. educational system and the need to be involved in their child's school,
something unheard of in the Former Soviet Union.
Slavic Community Center offers after school activities for youth and their parents, that are consistent with Slavic culture.
One of the program's goals is to share Slavic cultural activities with the greater community, and serve as a resource for
area adoptive parents of children from the Former Soviet Union to help their children maintain a connection with their
birth culture.
Our organization has been creating partnerships with the Shakopee School District, community translators, and school
staff in order to develop and implement new strategies for this program. The School Navigator Program serves as a
bridge between the school and the parents, exchanging useful feedback from both parties. We believe our School
Partnership Project will improve the quality of life for immigrant and refugee families who are unfamiliar with and/or
intimidated by the U.S. educational system. Parents are learning how to support their child's learning and narraow the
educational disparity that currently exists. This program will help immigrant and refugee parents become well-informed
advocates for their children.
association of community-based agencies serving newly arrived immigrant communities, which includes SCC. The Russian-
speaking community in Shakopee, where our program is located, operates in isolation from the greater community. As a
result, young children lack exposure to the U.S. culture prior to their entry into school, have limited English language
exposure and very limited life experiences as compared to their majority, English speaking peers in Kindergarten.
Research suggests that well documented educational disparities between Twin City area immigrant children and US-born
European-American children, begins when immigrant/children of color enter kindergarten with skills that are already a
year or more behind their European-American peers. Without immediate attention, educational disparities become even
more pronounced, as children are socially promoted to the next grade level, widening the gap over time. The direct
involvement of children’s parents in the educational process is an important predictor to educational success. Fortunately,
SCC is there to teach parents about the U.S. educational system and the need to be involved in their child's school,
something unheard of in the Former Soviet Union.
Slavic Community Center offers after school activities for youth and their parents, that are consistent with Slavic culture.
One of the program's goals is to share Slavic cultural activities with the greater community, and serve as a resource for
area adoptive parents of children from the Former Soviet Union to help their children maintain a connection with their
birth culture.
Our organization has been creating partnerships with the Shakopee School District, community translators, and school
staff in order to develop and implement new strategies for this program. The School Navigator Program serves as a
bridge between the school and the parents, exchanging useful feedback from both parties. We believe our School
Partnership Project will improve the quality of life for immigrant and refugee families who are unfamiliar with and/or
intimidated by the U.S. educational system. Parents are learning how to support their child's learning and narraow the
educational disparity that currently exists. This program will help immigrant and refugee parents become well-informed
advocates for their children.
Slavic Community Center
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Honoring Our Roots Growing Our Future |
School Navigator