How the Districts Unique Bilingual Counselors are Working to Help English Learners Succeed

Navigating the complicated landscape of A-G courses, career pathway options and college entrance requirements can be daunting for anyone; even more so when English is your second language. Students in the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) now have a better chance for success -- thanks to the recent addition of English learner (EL) counselors. The District’s three EL counselors – Isabel Fernandez, Belen Rubio, and Denise DeRobles – serve as an extra safety net for middle and high school students and parents – ensuring that they understand all that is needed to reach their goals. No other school districts in San Bernardino County offer these unique counseling services. The funding for the counselors is set aside in CJUSD’s Local Control and Accountability Plan. The state of California has identified English learners as one of three groups that must specifically benefit from LCAP programs. Nearly 6,000 (about one-fourth) of the District’s students are English learners. The vast majority of those – 5,672, speak Spanish. CJUSD previously had one bilingual counselor. The idea to add the two additional counselors stemmed from research on best practices for helping English learners as well as a needs assessment conducted two years ago, noted Bertha Arreguin, Director of Language Support Services for CJUSD. English learners and their parents said they needed more support, she said. “English learners sometimes come up against barriers or stumbling blocks. These counselors are here to help them overcome those barriers,” Arreguin said. “EL counselors also instill in students the value of their primary language and home cultures as an asset to our schools. As a result, many of our EL students are receiving the prestigious State Seal of Biliteracy when they graduate from high school.” “Parents of English learners want to learn more about AVID, pathways, AP courses, scholarships and A-G requirements. We let them know the options and help them make the best decisions for their children” Colton’s EL counselors have the same training and credentials as other counselors. They work with site counselors, teachers and administrators to provide supplemental support for students and parents. They may help with specific issues such as assisting students new to the United States; helping struggling students to pass core classes; monitoring reclassified students to ensure they are staying on track; helping long-term English learners to get reclassified; or helping to ensure juniors and seniors are on track for graduation. They even have coordinated field trips to local colleges for students and their parents. Counselors also facilitate parent workshops in Spanish on subjects such as transitioning to middle and high school; understanding your child’s transcripts; and filling out college scholarship applications. The EL Counselors say that often, parents and students feel more comfortable coming to them with questions because they speak the same language. “I would like our parents to feel assured when they come to us with their questions, doubts or concerns,” Rubio said. “I truly believe our parents see the EL counselors as the starting point, an additional resource, guide or avenue as it relates to the academic progress (achievement) and sometimes the emotional wellness of their students. At times we assist our parents with resources outside of the school system because they are dealing with factors that impact the family and the academic achievement of their student(s). For me personally, my goal has always been to serve as an essential hub, a link between the school, the student and our parents. Establishing trusting relationships is what keeps an open communication for all parties involved.” “It makes a great deal of difference,” said parent Carmen Segura, whose daughter attends Grand Terrace High School. “They can be that bridge between us and the (school) counselor.” “They’re a great support to all of our parents,” added parent Norberto Nunez. “It doesn’t matter how simple the question may seem, they’re there to help.”