What Teachers Really Want in Professional Development Workshops

Professional development workshops have been used over the past few decades to help train teachers to become “better” teachers.  However, not all teachers feel that these professional development sessions have been meaningful or career altering.  Take a look at some of the top things teachers really want to experience in professional development workshops. A Voice When it comes to professional … Read More

3 Suggestions for Hosting a Parent Meeting with Spanish-speaking Parents

3 Suggestions for Hosting a Parent Meeting with Spanish-speaking Parents Teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs) sometimes struggle communicating with their students’ parents, especially when said parents cannot communicate comfortably and openly in English.  Take a look at these 3 suggestions for hosting a parent meeting with Spanish-speaking parents. Suggestion 1: Encourage Attendance In order to prepare for a successful … Read More

Title III for Cultural Family Engagement – is Spanish OK?

Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 was amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015.  Title III was enacted to assist English Learners (ELs) attain language proficiency in English, as well as meet state academic standards.  Therefore, as immigrant and EL parents are part of that matrix, it is important to include … Read More

Is There a Silent Period with ELLs?

When it comes to learning English, English Language Learners (ELLs) go through a variety of stages or periods.  One of the stages that most ELLs go through is a silent period.  During this silent period ELLs typically listen and observe more than they speak.  Teachers must be aware that this silent period is a time of true learning, as ELLs … Read More

Acculturation and Its Impact on a Home-School Connection

The United States is a diverse country that has been a haven for immigrants from all over the world.  Since its inception, the United States has shaped the lives and experiences of immigrants who hope to improve their lives.  In order to do well in the United States, immigrants must become acculturated to our customs, beliefs, and way of life. … Read More

Strategies for Authentic Family Engagement with English Learners

Classrooms in the U.S. are more diverse than ever. English Learners account for over 20 percent of students in our nation’s public school system.  School districts and teachers are always looking for ways to connect with EL kids and families for academic support and for family engagement.  Providing EL students with culturally engaging books to take home is a good … Read More

Research on School Readiness with Hispanic Kids

My Super Cool Friends – Mis amigos super fabulosos Bronze Winner for Moonbeam Award – Reading & Literacy Skills School readiness is a phrase that is used to illustrate the physical, social, and intellectual readiness of young kids at the start of formal education, which is usually at kindergarten.  Some researchers have pinpointed certain questions that can be asked to … Read More

High Expectations for English Learners

English Language Learners (ELLs) are a growing population in the U.S. school system.  This demographic statistic has steadily risen over the years, with an estimated 25% of children in the U.S. school system coming from immigrant families.  This is a new reality, which has significant implications for the U.S. school system and educators. However, effective educators know that ELs are … Read More

3 Ways to Promote Culturally Relevant Family Programs

Parental and family involvement is a very important component in the academic achievement of students.  However, oftentimes, school administrators and teachers lack the knowledge on how to connect with immigrant and English Language Learners (ELLs).  This results in a lack of parental and family involvement within the immigrant community. But this can all change! Take a look at 3 ways … Read More

3 Easy Ways to Use a Bilingual Book

3 Easy Ways to Use a Bilingual Book Research shows that the support for home language is important for the academic success of students.  It bridges the home and school connection. Reading aloud at home between parents and kids is one way that parents can be involved in the school-going process with their children. Bilingual Books have been proven to … Read More