School-Community-Based Organization Partnerships for Language Minority Students' School Success

Because language minority students, including immigrants and the U.S.-born children of immigrants, may have to contend with a mismatch between the language and culture of their schools and those of their communities, as well as the schools' difficulty in addressing their academic needs appropriately, some schools have been partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) to broaden the base of support for these students. This article outlines findings from a study of school-CBO partnerships that promote the academic achievement of language minority students. It describes the types of CBOs that partner with schools, the ways partners work together, and the work that they do. Crucial elements in program success are discussed, as well as challenges that partnerships may face.