The Value of Educating Immigrant Families

The Aug. 9 Metro story "Companies Take Lead in Assimilation Efforts; Programs Aid Immigrant Workers" featured corporations taking positive steps on the immigration issue. The article mentioned the proposed Strengthening Communities Through Education and Integration Act, which would further education efforts essential to this nation's future.

Investing in today's workforce, however, is not enough. The schoolchildren of immigrants must acquire literacy and essential education skills. An intergenerational education approach is the best way to solve the problems of today while building a better tomorrow.

The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) has pioneered an intergenerational literacy program that would be expanded through the proposed legislation. By taking a long-term view, Toyota has funded the NCFL to build a program that creates immediate results for immigrant adults by improving their English skills and helping them encourage their children's success in school.

The result is that their children rated higher than their peers in overall academic performance, motivation to learn, attendance, classroom behavior and other key learning indicators. The long-term success of the younger generation is essential to our country's future.

The immigration debate continues to be contentious. Private and public investors must make wise decisions. Investing in two generations simultaneously makes good business sense.

SHARON DARLING

President and Founder

National Center for Family Literacy

Louisville