Strategies to Increase Parental Involvement Among English Language Learners Throughout Elementary School

Abstract

English language learners have a difficult time becoming a part of the school community while learning the English language. The overarching question of this capstone is how we can increase parent involvement among English Language Learning parents. As educators, we can do our part to ensure that parents are involved in their child’s education. This involvement goes beyond helping the children with their work. ELLs parents are hesitant to participate in their child’s schooling because of the language barrier and the differences in cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The research shows that there are different strategies that teachers can implement throughout the school year to get parents involved. These strategies are home visits, teacher and parent professional development, family sharing time, family literacy project and parent questionnaires. The goal of the professional development is to provide teachers different strategies they can implement to increase positive parent-school relationships. The professional development will take place before school starts and will consist of the teachers and administrators of the school.