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TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT June 13, 2009 Money,
policies obstacles for Florida's migrant students Reynalda Paredes of Gretna knows the odds are stacked against her children receiving a good education. By getting a quality education, Paredes believes her children will avoid living like her and her husband — reliant on migrant work that pays $2 for one 25-pound box of tomatoes. But her vision may be delayed. Paredes, speaking through a translator, relayed how her family was dealt a disappointing blow when her son Luis quit college two years ago. The 22-year-old found the financial strain too costly for parents who relocate repeatedly for work. It's a setback that illustrates how Florida has a long way to go to ensure the state's 19,964 documented migrant students receive high-school diplomas and are ushered into college. "He could not continue because we couldn't provide financial support," Paredes said. "I tell him 'Luis go forward. Son, don't lose hope.' " Education officials say Luis' response is one echoed by migrant students throughout the state. He has chosen to work to help his four siblings do what he cannot do. "I know it's not just him," Paredes said about her son. "There are many kids out there that can't continue their dreams to get a good education. There are many families (who) don't have the money to help (their) children follow their dreams." According to state statistics, migrant students have more difficulty achieving their educational dreams. The English-formatted state assessment test known as the FCAT proves too challenging, and Florida doesn't offer a Spanish version of the test. As a result, students often receive certificates of attendance instead of diplomas. If they receive diplomas, the financial strain needed for college pulls the family downward. No additional part-time jobs or extra hours working in fields could pull families like Parades' to a financially stable point. Maria Pouncey, coordinator of the migrant education program for the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium, is no stranger to the educational hardships migrant students endure. "Education is stressed tremendously with these kids," Pouncey said. "These parents are willing to sacrifice everything they have even though they don't have money. They don't want their children to be in the fields."
Passing the FCAT There are 980 migrant students in the Panhandle, said Lori Rodriguez, an administrator with the state Department of Education. Rodriguez said understanding the subculture of migrant families is key in gaining insight into the plight of their children. Most of the children are first-generation English speakers. Usually their parents are illiterate in their native tongue, Rodriguez said. "If you're illiterate in your first language then it's going to be difficult for the children," Rodriguez said. "These parents can't even read what's sent home to them. For those of us who are from educated families — it's very difficult to understand." Students new to the United States don't immediately have to take the FCAT. After the first year, they are required to take the test. This proves difficult for students who don't have a full understanding of the English language, Rodriguez said. "It takes five to seven years to learn a second language academically," Rodriguez said. Pouncey echoed Rodriguez' sentiments. She has seen migrant students with high grade-point averages who can't pass the FCAT. "They just can't pass the reading," Pouncey said. "Other states are testing (students) in their own language." Rodriguez said Florida is one of the few states that do not offer a Spanish portion of the state standardized exam to students. "There are a lot of concerns about that," she said. "I don't know what the answer is."
Solutions to earn a quality education After years working in different school districts throughout the state, Rodriguez said she believes the biggest hurdle preventing migrant students from receiving a quality education is communication. There has to be more outreach in the community to stress the need for a quality education, she said. It's a need Parades knows well. Pouncey helped Parades' son, Luis, get into college. "I've made a great sacrifice to try to help my kids," Parades said. "I have not traveled for work purposes in three years. My kids kept on telling me that they wanted to be in one school. Because of the traveling, it was hard to keep focused." Future for the Paredes family The Paredes family is flourishing. Since Reynalda has stopped traveling, her 16- and 14-year-olds are doing better in school. Her husband travels the state working in the fields. She stays in Gretna with the children. "It's been hard for our family to be separated," she said. "It's been worth it. I believe my children are doing so well since I have stayed put with them."
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