Parental involvement is a cornerstone of a child\u2019s academic success. This is particularly true for English Language Learning (ELL) students. To tap into the full potential of parental engagement, schools need educators who can bridge the language gap between home and school. Bilingual teachers are crucial in ensuring that ELL students and their families are engaged, informed, and empowered throughout the educational journey.<\/p>\n
Certify Your Language Skills Today<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the Carnegie Corporation of New York aptly states, \u201cGiven that students spend far more time at home and in the community than they do at school, building strong connections between diverse families and educators is essential to supporting student learning, especially as immigrants and children of immigrants are some of the fastest-growing populations in the country.\u201d For ELL students, strong home-school connections are vital, and bilingual educators are key to fostering these connections. They not only help students navigate their academic environment but also engage parents in a meaningful way that reinforces learning at home.<\/p>\n Consider a possible scenario at Lincoln Elementary School, where a significant portion of the student body comes from non-English-speaking families. The school organizes a Parent-Teacher Night designed specifically to welcome and engage these parents. Bilingual staff like Mrs. Hernandez, a Spanish-speaking<\/a> teacher, and Mr. Nguyen, a Vietnamese-speaking counselor, are instrumental in facilitating meaningful discussions between parents and teachers. By eliminating language barriers, they ensure that parents can actively participate in conversations about their children\u2019s progress and school activities, creating a more inclusive and supportive school community.<\/p>\n This example underscores the importance of having bilingual educators who can communicate effectively with ELL families. When parents feel welcomed and valued, they are more likely to engage in school activities and support their children’s education, which in turn leads to better academic outcomes for the students. As research from the Center for Early Education Development at the University of Minnesota highlights, \u201cParents whose primary language is Spanish\u2014by far the most common language of English-learner families\u2014or another language besides English, should encourage and support their child\u2019s development and literacy in the home language, which can benefit their English-learning\u201d (Lloyd and Mitchell).<\/p>\n To truly harness the superpower of bilingualism within a school district, it’s not enough to have bilingual staff in place. These educators must also be equipped with the tools and validation to fully leverage their language skills in their professional roles. This is where Language Testing International\u00ae (LTI) plays a critical role. LTI, the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, delivers ACTFL language proficiency assessments that provide educators with legally defensible credentials in over 120 languages. These assessments not only validate an educator’s language skills but also empower them to take on leadership roles within their schools, fostering better communication with ELL families and advancing their careers.<\/p>\n Moreover, as schools recognize the growing demand for bilingual and multilingual employees in the broader economy<\/a>, as highlighted by ACTFL, it’s clear that fostering bilingualism within schools benefits everyone. Bilingual educators not only support ELL students and their families but also model the value of multilingualism for all students, preparing them for a diverse and globalized world.<\/p>\n If you are an educator or school administrator looking to enhance parental engagement, improve communication with ELL families, and promote bilingualism as a valuable asset, it\u2019s time to take ACTFL’s language proficiency assessments<\/a>. These assessments can help you validate and promote your bilingual superpower, advance your career, and make a lasting impact within your school district.<\/p>\n By equipping yourself as an educator with the right tools, you can ensure that every student and family feels connected, supported, and empowered in their educational journey.<\/p>\n Sources<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. <\/em>(2019). \u201cMaking Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.\u201d https:\/\/www.actfl.org\/uploads\/files\/general\/MakingLanguagesOurBusiness_FullReport.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n Lloyd, Sterling C., Mitchell Corey. \u201cEnglish Fluency Among Parents: Why It Matters for Student Success.\u201d EducationWeek. January 21, 2020. https:\/\/www.edweek.org\/leadership\/english-fluency-among-parents-why-it-matters-for-student-success\/2020\/01 – :~:text=Across%20the%20United%20States%2C%20the%20percentage%20of%20children,linguistic%20integration%20that%20are%20higher%20than%2090%20percent.<\/a><\/p>\n Carnegie Corporation of New York. \u201cPartnering with Immigrant Families to Promote Student Success.\u201d April 24, 2023.<\/p>\nBilingual Educators Can Foster Key Connections<\/h2>\n
Validate Your Language Skills with an ACTFL Assessment<\/h2>\n