An American education: refugees and new immigrants face challenges to graduation

Mainly because of language issues, immigrants and refugees find it hard to get their education and succeed in this country.   - - Donna Poisl

By Gretchen Krebs, Deseret News

It's a chilly winter morning and eight students sit in Valerie Gates' ESL class for "new arrivals" at West High School. They are enjoying a feast of international flavors including Egyptian basbousa cake, Burmese breakfast rice and Mexican rice with mole.

Gates talks with her students about the dishes they have each brought to share. She speaks slowly and clearly so her students, who only speak a few words of English, have time to hear and translate her words. They answer her questions with shy smiles and short, cautious phrases.

"What time did you wake up to make this rice?"
Click on the HEADLINE above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.