Research to Action

In recent years, CASA has engaged in an increasing number of research projects to elevate the understanding of the Latino community in Langley Park and the surrounding Washington D.C. area. Through these projects, CASA has developed and implemented recommendations for improving its programs, organizational policies and practices.

Langley Park Promise Neighborhood (SOMOS Langley Park)

Research: In 2012, CASA received a Promise Neighborhood planning grant from the U.S. Department of Education. In conjunction with the Urban Institute and the University of Maryland, CASA conducted an in-depth needs assessment to examine the multiple challenges facing immigrant children in Langley Park. Findings from this study indicate that: Langley Park children start school less ready to learn than their peers, students fall off of track during middle school and in high school students face tremendous pressures to leave school early. Although parents express a desire to ensure that their children succeed, they often lack the knowledge of how to help their children get there.

Action: CASA has implemented key recommendations key initiatives to help improve the well-being of children and families in Langley Park including a multifaceted parental engagement program focused on increasing parent’s knowledge of school policies and practices.

Learning Together

Research: Since 2014, CASA has implemented Learning Together: a U.S. Department of Education funded integrated, place-based initiative designed to build parents’ skills, confidence, and social capital to navigate the U.S. education system in spite of Limited English Proficiency (LEP), low-education attainment, and immigrant/cultural challenge. Learning Together is part of an ongoing collaboration between CASA de Maryland (CASA), Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), and the Family School Working Group at the University of Maryland’s College of Education (UMD). The Urban Institute serves as the external evaluator for the program and will work to conduct a final evaluation of the program to be completed in March 2018.

Action: Anecdotal information indicates that parents involved in Learning Together have shown increases in their: knowledge of school practices and policies. In addition, a large number of parents enrolled in Learning Together have become advocates in improving the education system by launching and leading local PTO organizations.

Preparing for the Purple Line

Results: This section is being updated. Check back soon for more information.

Action: Preliminary results indicate that as a result of the looming Purple Line, residents will face a multitude of changes to affordable housing and transportation. As a result, CASA is working to organize its members to continue its fight for fair and affordable housing and transportation.

Reforming Criminal Justice

Research: In 2016, CASA received a Byrne Criminal Justice planning grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. To better understand the issues facing the community in Langley Park, CASA worked with the Howard University of Department of Economics to develop and implement a community survey. In addition, CASA worked with leaders in the criminal justice field to conduct two focus group: one focused on youth and one focused on police officers- in order to gain a holistic view of crime in Langley Park.

Action: CASA will released the findings of this report in 2018 and subsequently launch a campaign focused on reducing crime in the area.