Online Staff Development During School Closures & Reopenings

One year ago, parents and teachers across the country were faced with something that many never even dreamt of – widespread school closures.  This unprecedented disruption of the education system has parents searching for ways to help their children with their daily learning.  At some point, schools will be back in full swing; however, in the meantime, we want to … Read More

Connecting ELA with Students to Parent Involvement

Parents of English Language Learners (ELLs) oftentimes find it difficult to comprehend their children’s experiences in the classroom. While their children are adjusting to school demands, they are also learning a new language. Many parents don’t understand how they can help their children in their English Language Arts (ELA) classes. That is why it is so important for teachers to … Read More

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