Communication Makes National Impact

ESL Communications team featured nationally

A Conversation on Education Equity: Discusion en Español

In August we launched weekly shows in Spanish and Marshallese called ASI ES and Marshallese TV. Additionally we launched a Spanish Language Facebook Page: Escuela de Springdale. Maribel Tapia, Esdras Valdez and Anita Iban work every week to produce critically important shows that provide information and entertainment to our community. Most importantly having the same information release in the community in multiple languages simultaneously ensures that each of our Springdale Family knows how valued they are to the School System. Maribel and her work was featured on through a national story that went viral and has been seen millions of times and inspired a town hall discussion in El Paso Texas where Maribel was featured.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed traditional education as we know it, many educators are asking the same question, how can we learn from each other?

The Pandemic PASS or FAIL project brings together journalists from Nexstar broadcasters across the country to screen for dozens of successful results-driven solutions that others can learn from. Several of the education experts and interested parents who worked on these powerful stories participated in “a conversation about equity in education” to further expand the programs that make a difference in their communities. The following participated in our town hall:

Carolyn Slavin, Bilingual Librarian at Reed Elementary, Leander Independent School District, Texas Elva Franco, Mom, Leander Independent School District, Texas Miriam Cordova Esquivel, Mom, Leander Independent School District, Texas

Leticia Rivera Franco, Mom, Leander Independent School District, Texas

Juan Seda, Director of English Learners, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee

Vanessa Lazón, English Learner Family Specialist, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee

Maribel Tapia, Family English Learner Specialist, Springdale Public Schools, Arkansas

Maribel Tapia | ESL Communications Specialist

Our ESL Communications team focuses on engaging and empowering parents and guardians. ¡Así es Springdale! provides parents with the tools they need to become equal partners in their children's education. To become an equal partner, parents and caregivers must have access to information in a language they can understand.

"Así es Springdale" is filling in that need and at the same time using its platform to foster a more inclusive community. When we eliminate the language barrier we can begin to create an equal partnership with all families. We are reaching non-English speaking families, that may not otherwise know what is happening in their child's school. ¡Así es Springdale! tells our Hispanic community we see you, we value you, and you are our partner.

In my role of content creator for ¡Así es Springdale! I focus on not only providing updated information but also in explaining programs, guidelines, and any other information our families need in order better support their children's education. I am passionate about equity in education! and ¡Así es Springdale! is part of the systems we are putting into place to ensure that every child has an equal chance for success.

It was an honor to be invited to participate in the Education Equity Town Hall hosted by KXAN of El Paso, TX. I feel proud of the work we are doing here in Springdale. With the support of our Superintendent and the School Board, our ESL Communications Team has been able to step-up in providing information in multiple languages.