AIMS K-12, a public charter school system in the heart of Oakland, Calif., is quietly transforming education in one of America’s most diverse cities. At AIMS, diversity isn't just celebrated, it's harnessed as a powerful tool for learning.
Oakland is as linguistically eclectic as nearly any city in the country. Nearly 40% of the city’s residents speak a language other than English at home, and almost 35% of students registered in Oakland Unified School District are considered English Language Learners.
The city has found its counterpart at AIMS, where classrooms are filled with students from a range of backgrounds: 55% Asian, 25% African American, and 14% Hispanic.
A core tenet at AIMS is creating equity in education, and this is reflected in their robust support systems for multilingual learners. Limited English speakers are actively encouraged to apply, to the extent that 75% of the school’s elementary students are ELLs.
A Haven for Multilingual Learners
The school’s linguistic diversity could be considered an obstacle but AIMS sees it as an opportunity. They've created a nurturing environment where students can thrive despite language barriers.
The school has a dedicated English Language Development Department that serves over 300 students. The department is equipped with cutting-edge resources to propel them forward.
AIMS K-12 partners with LanguageLine to provide on-demand, professional interpretation services to students, as well as their families and guardians. The service is available around the clock in 240 languages.
Additionally, Chromebooks equipped with translated materials empower students to actively participate in class discussions and navigate challenging academic content.
A Holistic Approach to Learning
AIMS has adopted a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) approach, acknowledging the importance of fostering creativity and critical thinking alongside core subjects. This well-rounded curriculum allows students to explore their passions, develop problem-solving skills, and express themselves creatively.
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A strong foundation in language acquisition is crucial for navigating this enriched learning environment. AIMS prioritizes its development alongside the traditional STEAM subjects. LanguageLine plays an essential role in helping ELL students navigate this curriculum.
Building a Village: Family and Community Engagement
"The best way to encourage our students is to work in harmony with school staff, family, and community groups," said Superintendent Maya Woods-Cadiz, who leads Oakland’s charter district.
AIMS understands that a child's education is a collaborative effort. They actively seek family involvement, not just for progress reports, but for a deeper connection to the school community. For families where language might be a barrier, AIMS provides interpretation assistance through LanguageLine, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
A Track Record of Success
AIMS's dedication to its students is yielding impressive results. Their high school boasts a remarkable 97% student attendance rate, a testament to the engaging and supportive environment they've cultivated.
This translates into impressive college acceptances, with graduates gaining entry into prestigious institutions like Yale, Stanford, MIT, and UC Berkeley. But success isn't solely measured by college acceptances.
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AIMS graduates leave the school well-equipped for life after high school. They possess not only academic knowledge, but also critical thinking skills, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the power of multilingualism.
A Model for Other Schools
The success of AIMS K-12 serves as a model for other schools across the country grappling with similar challenges. By partnering with LanguageLine, your school can:
- Streamline communication for your multilingual community.
- Connect with qualified interpreters in over 240 languages, 24/7.
- Leverage our expertise to develop a customized language solution for your unique needs. This program may include customized call flows for incoming calls, the translation of written materials, and testing and training for bilingual employees.
We hope to assist your school in the same way we have partnered with AIMS 123. Let's work together to ensure clear communication and empower individuals of all languages to thrive. We invite you to learn more about LanguageLine’s educational offerings and to contact us for a free consultation.
