Improving Teachers' Knowledge and Skills in Engaging English Learners' Families

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Activism and Teacher Leadership for Immigrant Families and Communities

Abstract

Improving parental/family engagement is a critical issue in most schools. However, teachers feel particularly underprepared to work with parents and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Thus, schools are encouraged to provide both conventional and nonconventional ways to promote parent/family engagement for English learners (ELs) in schools. In this presentation, the authors address how in-service teacher (ISTs) participants focused on becoming teacher leaders by improving their knowledge and skills in engaging EL parents/families in their schools. ISTs first analyzed current parent/family engagement initiatives in their schools, and then designed and implemented an action plan. Specific cases of successful EL parent/family engagement initiatives will be discussed.

Authors

• Maria Selena Protacio, Western Michigan University

• Virginia David, Western Michigan University

• Susan V. Piazza, Western Michigan University

• Cody T. Williams, Western Michigan University