How to Make Conferences Work: strengths in the Hmong community

Be respectful. Ask questions. There's no real way to prepare for a set of family circumstances when each are so varied. So get ready to ask questions. Here are some strengths of the Hmong community that you can focus on. Of course, these are generalizations, and may not be true for every set of circumstances.

1. Hmong families want their students to do well in school. If you're having a hard time communicating with them, find a translator from your school. Of course, you can talk with an older brother or even have a younger sister relay information to adults who may not speak English or may not be well-versed in the American school system. However, it puts a lot of pressure on young students to do this. Find someone with an expert grasp on both languages who can communicate with the decision maker in the house (who usually isn't the younger sister). If you school doesn't have a translator because the budget doesn't allow it, then call the district and find someone who can. Often districts contract with translation/interpretation companies. Find this number early in the year, then have it on-hand. If you need to talk with a parent, set up a time in advance.

2. Hmong families want their students to be successful in life and go to college. As I mentioned, the American school system is unique. Try to connect families with services for college readiness such as Lao Family, Admission Possible, Get Ready, or MEP. The FAFSA must be filled out to qualify for financial aid. Make sure the parents know about it. Ask your counselors to host a night where parents can be walked through the process.

3. Hmong families have strong family ties. Although this means that sometimes students will put off schoolwork for family events, this also means that families will be able to support their children in school. If a student needs to stay after, chances are they can find a ride home or can stay at a family member's house until someone can pick them up. This plays out until even in college, with parents allowing their students to stay with them rent free while they put them through college, maybe even putting daughters-in-law through college.

4. Hmong families have extensive community resources. St. Paul may be the largest urban center for Hmong people, depending on who you ask--we'll see after the census data comes out. Because of this large community, there are lots of resources. See the link for community resources on connecting your students with groups, the parents with services, or yourself with the Hmong culture. Start with the organizations that are already at your school.