Nicaragua/U.S. Curriculum Translation

*Should have had consistent schooling with minimal gaps in education

**English as a foreign language is sparsely available. Instruction is extremely basic.

Nicaragua Education System

School Year: February to November | Compulsory Education: 1st-6th | Graduation: 1st – 11th

Nicaragua/U.S. Grading Scale

Nicaragua Transition Supports

Nicaragua Education Practice:

Public school education for elementary grades is free of charge and compulsory; however, families are sometimes expected to pay for books, uniforms, school dinners, and transportation as well as additional fees. Public schools are divided into two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Most primary school children attend the first shift and the older students attend the afternoon shift. A normal public school day begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Marks 2020j).

U.S. Educator Implications:
Students from Nicaragua may struggle with the length of a standard U.S. school day. Providing brain breaks throughout the day may assist with transition. Academic barriers may have limited a student’s ability to have consistent education. Identifying educational background may assist with providing academic supports.

Strategies for Transition

• Get to know your students by building positive relationships.
• Provide multicultural education where texts, values, beliefs, and perspectives represent people from different cultural backgrounds.
• “Nicaraguan culture is quite informal, and you will find that modes of speaking are generally relaxed. Handshakes are acceptable and it is common to see light hugs or a cheek kiss amongst Nicaraguan friends and family (Marks 2020j).” All students may need education regarding communication styles of individuals from across the world.
• Family ties are strong, and Nicaraguans rely heavily on family support regularly. This communal culture means that families are involved in student’ lives. When addressing any particular issue with students, it is normal to speak with family members to better understand the situation or seek insight into offering alternatives, solutions, or ideas. Although FERPA laws limit educators’ abilities to communicate with extended family, be prepared for multiple family members to take part in parent events or parent conferences.
• Nicaraguans have a varied communication style that goes between direct and indirect. Utilizing clear and concise language will aid in communication. Creating an environment of honesty will be critical, as many Nicaraguans prefer to be polite than give authentic feedback.
• “Physical gestures are common modes of communication in the classroom for Nicaraguan students. They can sometimes point with their lips by puckering or raising the chin toward the intended direction as well as waving a finger to catch someone’s attention. Crinkling of the nose means,”I don’t get it.” They may use hand gestures, such as sweeping the hand with the palm facing downward in an attempt to bring someone towards them (Marks 2020j).” These gestures may assist educators with understanding students’ comprehension or the need to repeat instructions or reteach (Marks 2020j).