Language Assistance 
Keeping the Promise
U.S. Department of Education English Learner Family Toolkit
This resource provides families of ELs with important information about attending schools in the U.S. The toolkit also outlines family and students rights and provides guidance on what information EL families should seek in order to be able to support their children in U.S. schools. Currently, only the first two chapters of the toolkit are available. Chapters 3–6 will be published soon.
Starting School in the United States: A Guide for Newcomer Students' Families
This resource from REL Northwest provides answers to many questions newcomer families typically have about the U.S. school system. Specifically, the guide (which is available in four languages) offers research-based guidance on the registration process, how families can get involved in their children's education, the rights every student has under U.S. law, and more.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CIPR)
CIPR is funded to create products and services that increase Parent Center’s knowledge and capacity. It is the central HUB of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities.
Resources to Orient Afghans to K-12 Education in the U.S.
Compiled by Immigrant Connections, this blog post contains national as well as state and district level resources to orient Afghans to American education systems.
PASHTO & DARI LEARNING MATERIALS FOR CHILDREN:
This package includes materials in Pashto and Dari for young children. These materials have been curated for the purpose of responding to the immediate and transition learning needs of children aged 5 to 9 years old. The materials were developed through the efforts of Creative Associates International in partnership with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education under the USAID-funded All Children Reading (ACR-Afghanistan). They have been approved in terms of illustration and content appropriateness for the target audience. The materials can be used either in digital or paper format.
- 70 illustrated mini stories in Dari for children aged 5 to 7
- 56 Illustrated mini stories in Dari for children aged 7 to 9
- 49 illustrated mini stories in Pashto for children aged 5 to 7
- 76 Illustrated mini stories in Pashto for children aged 7 to 9
- 1 Workbook in Dari for children aged 5 to 7
- 1 Workbook in Dari for children aged 7 to 9
- 1 Workbook in Pashto for children aged 5 to 7
- 1 Workbook in Pashto for children aged 7 to 9
Storybooks in Pashto and stories listed under “Persian/Afghanistan” are currently available on the Global Digital Library.
Afghan Children Read offers 330 books in Dari and Pashto for early grades.
Additional Resources:
Reading materials in Pashto/Dari reading for grades 1-3, including PDFs of books and workbooks.
This resource offers flashcards that are English-Dari and English-Pashto. These flashcards show how to pronounce English words phonetically in Dari/Pashto and vice versa. For Afghan evacuees now in the US, the flashcards are relevant for caregivers to learn along with their children as well.
Storyweaver offers Hundreds of stories for children in Pashto and Farsi.
CONVERSATIONAL RESOURCES:
American English: Everyday Conversations (Department of State):
Everyday Conversations is intended for sixth- and seventh-grade students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL). Students can listen to and/or read dialogues in English. Topics of the conversations include introductions and small talk, shopping, asking for directions, hobbies, and giving advice. This resource can be used by teachers and learners. Students can listen to and/or read dialogues in English.
American English: American Teens Talk (Department of State)
Americans Teens Talk! is a collection of interviews of American high school students in both written and audio format. Each interview is accompanied by vocabulary notes and discussion questions. The interviews in American Teens Talk! give learners a view into the lives of adolescents in the U.S. Through the written and audio format of the interviews, learners are able to increase their vocabulary, practice their reading and listening skills, engage in discussions, and learn more about U.S. culture.
American English: Dialogs for Everyday Use (Department of State)
Dialogs for Everyday Use is a collection of thirty situational dialogs that focus on a wide variety of communicative situations and natural encounters in English. Each dialog is accompanied by a contextual illustration and can be used as a springboard for extended listening and speaking practice. The text also includes language notes that provide useful information on grammar and intonation patterns. This text is suggested for intermediate learners of English.
POST-SECONDARY RESOURCES:
Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR)
ECAR partners colleges and universities with local resettlement agencies to provide newcomers with free temporary housing on campus as well as community support. The program provides a softer landing and more dignified beginning for newcomers and enhances the educational, research, and service missions of colleges and universities. The flagship campus at Guilford College has hosted 66 refugees thus far and is currently hosting 20 Afghan evacuees.
IEE Scholar Rescue Fund This fund provides fellowships for displaced scholars and graduate students.
