Tuesday, September 28, 2010

As immigrant ranks grow, Texas school districts teach moms and dads, too | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

As immigrant ranks grow, Texas school districts teach moms and dads, too | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

As immigrant ranks grow, Texas school districts teach moms and dads, too

07:11 AM CDT on Tuesday, September 28, 2010

By KATHERINE LEAL UNMUTH / The Dallas Morning News
kunmuth@dallasnews.com

More than two decades after leaving Mexico, Maria Valdez was working long hours most nights as a cook and still didn't speak English. So last year Valdez, a single mother, signed up for English classes offered for free through the Irving school district. Her 10-year-old son often helps her. "I want him to be proud of me," she said. "I don't want to depend on anyone. I need English."

As the number of children of immigrants attending Texas schools increases, school districts are increasingly taking up the role of educating their parents.

School districts not only are taking