Learning at Home – Tips in Spanish & English

Learning at home happens all year long. Some parents know how to help their kids at home with academic learning, while other parents need information and training on how to support academic success. Many schools are now offering parent meetings for parents who need support and training to help their kids with reading, writing, and math. We hope that parents … Read More

The CARES Act – New Education Legislation in the Wake of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked the need for new legislation in our nation.  That is why our government has signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law on March 27th, 2020.  The CARES ACT has allocated $30.75 billion to the Department of Education in order to meet the needs of both students and educators during this … Read More

Creating a Local Resource List for Families During COVID-19

Families have a lot to digest during this time of the COVID-19 crisis.  Many families aren’t sure what to expect regarding their jobs, their bills, and basic necessities.  When under this much pressure, families may not know how to navigate the resources that are available for them.  That’s why it is important for school administrators to create a list of … Read More

Reaching Out to Families in Survival Mode

During this time of school closures, it’s important to remember that half of our students across America are from families that are considered low income. Some parents may have lost their income, and some continue to work while their children are expected to stay at home, leaving lots of parents strapped for childcare.  Oftentimes, low income parents are just trying … Read More

Dual Literacy Instruction with Leveled Readers

When teaching English Learners (Els) , it is important to place an emphasis on dual literacy instruction.  This technique will help young ELs learn English while maintaining and strengthening literacy skills in their native language.  An effective teaching strategy for working with ELs is leveled reading.  This approach assigns EL students with books that match their literacy skills.  With time, … Read More

Parents are For Life: Programs for the Academic Journey

The role of parents begins with the first day of life for their child. From that day forward, parents are central to the child’s well-being and development. It is often said that the parent is the child’s first teacher. That is true and that key role of teacher and guide continues throughout the child’s life, especially their education. This is … Read More

Latest Graduation Statistics for Latino Students

Graduation rates among Latino students are ever-increasing.  According to Excelencia in Education, a total of 72% of all Latinos ages 25 and over have a high school diploma.  That is up from 53% in 1995. This is due in part to the efforts of encouraging Latinos to attend higher education.  California is a leader in promoting high school completion and … Read More

Teaching ELA and Involving Parents

English Language Acquisition (ELA) instruction is ever increasing in the United States (US).  California, Texas, New York, Florida, and New Jersey are the top five states where English Learners (ELs) and immigrant families reside.  With over 10 percent of US students being ELs, nearly every teacher has encountered an EL student throughout their teaching career.  EL students face certain challenges … Read More

The Process of Acculturation

The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world, as it is home to individuals from an array of cultures and ethnic backgrounds.  Our diversity makes us a strong and vibrant nation, yet immigrant children and families still face countless obstacles in their new home.  Miscommunication based on language barriers and other cultural differences tends to … Read More

National Reading Statistics and ELL Students

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) conducts a reading assessment every two years with all students in the fourth and eighth grades.  The NAEP continues testing students every four years in twelfth grade.  All 50 states conduct these assessments, as well as the District of Columbia and Department of Defense schools.  Students are asked to read selected grade- or … Read More