English Together: Parent-School Involvement

Organization: Solutions in Hometown Connections (SHC)

The Problem

SHC was offering ESOL classes to low English proficiency newcomer parents of public elementary school children. The unique focus of these classes was the integration of a parent-school involvement component into traditional English instruction. The challenge was that no viable pre-made curricula or set of training materials were available for parents with very low levels of English. Without a clear and realistic implementation plan, parent-school involvement was in danger of fading into the background.

The Solution

I designed a curriculum map drawing from elements in the Limited English Proficient Parent Involvement Project (LEPPIP) which mirrored our own primary objectives - validate cultural backgrounds, restore parental authority, and bridge institutional gaps. I reviewed the entire LEPPIP curriculum to extract only the most relevant content, then chunked and sequenced it into modules in way that made sense for our context. The end product was a comprehensive outline of parent-school involvement content and materials relevant for our particular learners while also giving teachers agency to adjust for their own classrooms.

Design Process & Decision-Making

The program was on a 3-session cycle, and so I designed each session to contain one module to be consistently covered throughout the year (with priority objectives to be recycled and reinforced each session), and two other modules with rotating topics. This ensured new students developed the necessary foundation, and provided continuing students with fresh content.

I collaborated with teachers in the program to provide examples of learner-centered materials and activities, and designed the learning modules to be adaptable to accommodate scaffolding at the lower levels and extension at the higher levels.

Results & Delivery

Classroom observations and post-session student evaluations - long term, this content has the potential to bridge institutional gaps that currently prevent newcomer parents from fully participating in their children's education, leading to better outcomes for entire families.