Mission Statement

The beauty and creativity of American society originate in the diversity of its people. We believe each individual's sense of dignity and of being is an invaluable resource that cannot be lost without damage to our broader society. We believe that dignity is the element that makes life worth living. Violations of human dignity harm us all. We believe that through nurturing and affirming our children and families we will become a more dignified and just community.

OABE recognizes the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within our state and promotes mutual respect, uncompromised equality and inclusiveness in the education of all students.

OABE works to ensure that language minority students are provided with a program of instruction that enhances students' knowledge and pride in their cultural roots and foster a positive self-concept and an understanding of the society in which they live. The association advocates that students have the right to equal access to academic programs taught in the language through which they comprehend the world and to demonstrate success in meeting statewide content and performance standards.

 OABE works in partnership with public schools, universities, state agencies and community based organizations to create professional development opportunities that promote bilingual and multicultural education. The association strives to ensure that minority parents are involved in the educational development of their children and the decision-making processes affecting their children's education. Therefore, OABE provides a variety of venues for participation and advocacy to families, paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators, and the community at large.

We promise the communities we represent and serve that we will model integrity and ethical, honorable behavior. Our focus will be on actions and activities that benefit our communities rather than our personal ambitions. The following principles will guide us:

a. We are all teachers and we are all learners.

We are all significant. We all have something to offer others. None of us is perfect; we can all learn from others.

b. We don't need another hero; we all need to become heroic.

The empowerment of diverse communities for the benefit of all is our operating principle. As part of the community, we all have an individual responsibility and a contribution to share. In the round of reaching consensus and taking action, each member of the community is acknowledged as having an important role to play.

c. You will know as by our deeds.

Association members will strive to communicate with others openly and with respect, honoring human dignity. The Association will not tolerate unethical behaviors, including dishonesty, racism, ageism, and sexism.

d. The respect for the rights of others is peace.

Diverse communities are not empowered by exclusionary practices, such as tokenism and autocratic forms of decision-making. A truly democratic society is inclusive, and prepares and empowers all its members for full political, economic, and social participation.