English Language Learners Essay

Parental Involvement for English Language Learners Parents of English Language Learners have an important role to play; they can contribute significantly to the success of their child - not only academically, but also in all facets of their life. In this essay, I will discuss ways that an ELL parent can influence their child’s academic experience, both positively and negatively. I will also address how the parent, who does not speak English, can have a positive impact on their child’s success. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction of Washington State encourages ELL parents to be involved in the process of placing their child in English Language Development support programs. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) requires the process of a student’s placement in ELL support to begin at home with the Home Language Survey. This survey is administered to all enrolling students, and solicits parents’ input regarding such factors as the student’s first language and what is the primary language used by the child in the home. This information from the parent is key for the school in determining which …show more content…
Increasing proficiency in a student’s native language is beneficial in acquiring a second language and does not hinder the process of learning English. According to authors Zelasko and Antunez, Bilingualism produces many benefits. Students can develop better intellectually, transfer academic skills from one language to another, retain their cultural identity, stay connected to their family and community, and employ their advantage linguistically in the market place. Family literacy activities are one such example, providing parents with opportunities to participate, with appropriate assistance, in sharing their child’s educational