Families of English Learners (ELs) are valuable assets and resources. Schools that prioritize the success of all students make sure to include parents in communications about student achievements, learning opportunities, and other school programs. Welcoming classroom visitors as key supporters in enhancing EL students’ learning is encouraged. High attendance of EL families at parent-teacher conferences is essential. Meetings with parents and the community are planned to maximize family engagement.

Guiding questions

• How can systems be established to foster greater collaboration among the school, home, and community?
• How can school administrators:
  • Enhance the school environment to make it more welcoming to families?
  • Involve school staff in reflective discussions about authentic family engagement?
  • Create opportunities for school staff to regularly connect with families?
• How can school staff:
  • Build connections with students’ and families’ lives, languages, experiences, and cultural backgrounds?
  • Strengthen and sustain collaborative relationships among the school, home, and community?
  • Expand opportunities for families to authentically engage with the school and their children’s education?
  • Support families with strategies to enhance home language development?
  • Improve both formal and informal communication with families?
  • Include families in decision-making?