Gail Merrian oral history transcript

Title

Gail Merrian oral history transcript

Description

A transcript of an oral history of Gail Merrian, Coordinator of Migrant Education for the Hillsboro School District, on Hispanics in the Hillsboro schools. Ms. Merrian began working in Hillsboro in 1971 as an assistant in the Migrant Ed. Program. In 1983 she became an elementary ESL teacher. Previously Merrian had been a superintendent and principal at North Plains Elementary. During the 1960s Bob Warner, helped to start the migrant program along with Sunny Montez. Under the supervision of Jose Garcia it became a part of Washington County ESD. However, it was disbanded in the 1980s and each school district was given their own grant to run a migrant program. Currently the program covers preschool thru grade 12. The program offers students tutorial help, after school programs, and emergency medical, dental, and health services. Generally speaking the program has had tremendous success in parental involvement. Another aspect to the program is the Family literacy program or Latinos en Fronteras, for parents. The HITET grant was used – Hillsboro Intensive Training for ESL Teachers. In 1996 there were 1100 students in K-12, as of the time of this interview, there were 3000. The ESL population is 22% of district, Hispanics make up 25%. At W. L. Henry Elementrary there is a dual language program, Minterbridge school is also planning a dual language program. Ms. Merrian also discusses The Refugee Children Impact Grant, this grant aids students in school and family literacy programs. Hillsboro School District is 4th largest ESL program and 5th largest migrant and ED program in the state. Because of this diversity in population the Office of Hispanic Outreach led by Olga Acuña helps train parents, get them involved with school. Ms. Merrian expresses her feelings that the results of the No Child Left Behind act are positive, as it forces schools to help all children succeed. Also within the district Ms. Merrian helps to coordinate the Preschool for migrant students at Brookwood School and known as HIPPIE or home instruction for parents of preschoolers.

Creator

Merrian, Gail

Date

2004

Is Part Of

Century High School Project

Identifier

WCM_OH_53

Rights

In Copyright

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Spatial Coverage

Washington County (Or.)

Hillsboro (Or.)

Subject

Hispanic Americans -- History

Education

Language

English

Extent

1 vol.

Contributor

Fennimore, Natalie

Cabrera, Rocio

Type

Text

Source

Washington County Museum