We all know that there is a shortage of quality bilingual infant & toddler books to meet the needs of our growing Hispanic community. That’s why we thought we would share the news with you that our Baby Talk Bilingual Board Books®, which is a collection of five books, is now a FIVE TIMES award-winner! Artist Noêl Ill brings these … Read More
Family Engagement with Hispanic Parents
Family Engagement with Hispanic Parents We review research on parent involvement on an ongoing basis. In reviewing the research, major educational studies, and overviews of the evidence, it is clear that parent involvement works and is a powerful determinant in whether or not a child succeeds in school. The overwhelming research also concludes that the collaboration between parents and schools … Read More
The Silent Literacy Gap Districts Can’t Ignore for English Learners
The silent literacy gap that districts can’t ignore for English Learners is becoming increasingly visible as districts examine literacy data and equity outcomes. While schools invest heavily in curriculum, assessments, and intervention programs, one of the most influential factors in literacy development often receives far less attention: consistent support at home. English learners spend significantly more time outside the classroom … Read More
Federal Funding for ELL Education:
Federal funding for English language learner (ELL) education continues to evolve—and so do the challenges facing school leaders. Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) remains the central funding mechanism supporting English language acquisition and academic achievement. However, recent developments have introduced volatility into this critical area. Funding Freeze and Release in July 2025 In July 2025, funds … Read More
Boosting Literacy Through Family Engagement: Strategies for English Learners’ Success
Literacy is more than reading and writing—it’s the foundation for academic achievement and lifelong learning. For English learners, literacy development thrives when schools and families work hand-in-hand. But to truly make an impact, engagement strategies must be culturally relevant, language-accessible, and community-driven. One proven strategy is bilingual communication. When schools share updates, guides, and invitations in both English and the … Read More
Summer Programs with English Learners
Here are 3 key reasons why Parent Engagement programs for English Learners (ELs) are especially important during summer programming: 1. Bridges Language and Cultural Gaps Summer programs often offer more informal, flexible opportunities for parents—especially those with limited English proficiency—to connect with schools. Engagement programs can: 2. Summer Programs Promote Continuous Learning at Home Without regular school, EL students are at higher risk of academic regression over … Read More
Engaging Spanish-speaking Parents at Schools
Engaging Spanish-speaking parents in school activities, especially for reading and vocabulary development, can be highly effective with the right strategies. Here are some approaches to help bridge the language barrier and encourage their involvement: 1. Use Bilingual Communication • Translate Materials: Provide flyers, newsletters, and event details in Spanish. • Bilingual Invitations: Send home personalized invitations in Spanish to encourage … Read More
Socioeconomic Influences and Its Impact on Reading
Children from impoverished homes must adapt to adverse conditions, hindering their learning. Eric Jensen, author of “Teaching with Poverty in Mind”, identifies key risk factors for children: • Social and emotional issues• Chronic and acute stressors• Cognitive delays• Safety and health concerns Ruby Payne, a renowned American educator and author, discusses poverty’s impact on education. Payne highlights that children from … Read More
A Five-Year University Collaboration Evaluation
After a five-year project in collaboration with the University of North Texas (UNT), Family Stories Curriculum learned from university-led evaluations and research that the program had a substantial, very effective, and lasting impact on the 150 Spanish-speaking families who were part of the initiative. “Project Success” was a DOE Title III National Professional Development Program launched and implemented in collaboration … Read More
Parent and Family Engagement and ESSA
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), is a reauthorization of the educational standards set forth through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965. The ESSA puts into place provisions aimed at helping low-income and underprivileged children succeed in school and chief among this legislative groundwork is a sharp focus on the role of parent and family engagement in … Read More
Books for Parent and Family Engagement at School
Literacy begins in the home and transfers from parent to child. Parents who begin to read to their children from a very young age make great strides in the child’s educational and social evolution later on. Reading to a child promotes successful outcomes for literacy even before they start their first day of kindergarten. This is true for families of … Read More
3 School Readiness Books for Young Students
Reading with young students who are English Learners (ELs) entering kindergarten is necessary because it sparks their desire to learn. Reading helps to ease the transition from preschool to kindergarten because ELs feel that they are learning and preparing to do well in school. It is important to choose books that young kids can relate to, as books that their … Read More