Why Teaching in Two Languages Makes Sense for Programs with Hispanic Parents

Teaching in two languages can provide Hispanic parents with the peace of mind that they need to successfully engage in the education of their children. Family literacy programs that include parents in the curricula help to stymie the fears and lack of confidence that Hispanic parents often feel when it comes to reading to their children. They may not feel comfortable reading … Read More

English Learner Resources and Support in Georgia

With an approximate ELL enrollment of 5.5% among grades K-12, Georgia has 94,034 English Language Learners in the state public school system as of years 2012-2013. 78.2% of ELL students in Georgia speak Spanish, followed by Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese representing the most common languages spoken by the families of these students. The following is a list of useful resources … Read More

5 Important Things to Know About Title I

Title I (Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA) provides funding specifically for local education agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. In order to better understand how Title 1 affects schools and families, read on to learn five important things about Title 1. What is Parental Involvement under … Read More

A School Library Can Support ELL Families

Libraries have historically been multi-faceted organizations which offer not only books and media, but access to community programs and cultural experiences. There is now a growing trend in public schools in which school librarians, classroom teachers, and ELL teachers are using the library as a meeting and activity venue for ELL families. It can be challenging for ELL parents and … Read More

State of Colorado ELL Support and Programs

At an approximate tally of 114,415, roughly 13.3% of the Colorado public school system is comprised of English Language Learners as of the years 2012-2013. School District 1 in Denver County comes in 12th in the country for the largest concentration of ELL students with 31.4% of that district’s student population. Among these students, a majority of them speak Spanish, with … Read More

ELL Support and Programs in Nevada

With an approximate ELL enrollment of 17.4% among grades K-12, Nevada has 77,559 English Language Learners in the state public school system as of years 2012-2013. 79.5% of ELL students in Nevada speak Spanish, with Tagalog, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Amharic making up the majority of the common languages spoken throughout the state. The following is a list of useful resources … Read More

How Can Parents Help Kids Maintain Their Home Language and Learn English too?

Research shows that continuing to use home languages alongside their new language acquisition will make the process of learning English faster and easier. One of the first steps you can take is to embrace and celebrate your child’s bilingualism as a strength that will serve them well throughout their lives in our increasingly diverse and multicultural world. Here are two … Read More

What is Multicultural Literature and Why the Importance?

Children are like small sponges. They absorb everything. Books can have the most significant impact on a child’s mind as it allows them to unleash the full power of their imagination. Reading is among the most enduring influences on shaping a child’s social conscience and world view; therefore, it is essential that a child has access to literature that presents … Read More

Barriers to Education for Hispanics in the United States

Hispanics make up the single largest population of immigrants currently living in the United States, with a majority of that group aged 25-62 born outside of the United States. A new public education system can be tough to navigate and newcomers are often at a disadvantage when compared to their U.S born peers of both Hispanic and non-Hispanic descent. From … Read More

Common Practices and Values of the Top 6 High Schools

A research team from the Stanford Graduate School of Education released a study last month outlining the common practices and values of the top 6 high schools responsible for having an exemplary record of graduated and career-ready ELLs. The researchers profiled 7 key elements shared by all schools that contributed to their ELL success: Passionate, strategic, mission-driven leadership. Principals, assistant principals, … Read More