Families Learning English
We hear it from educators all the time: Parents want the best for their children, but they’re not always comfortable asserting themselves at the children’s school. Is it OK to question the teacher? To raise an issue with the principal? To visit the classroom?
Yes, yes and yes. But we know that doing it is not nearly as easy as saying it, and the task becomes particularly difficult for families learning English.
We’re here to help. First, you should know that you’re not alone. Researchers say that children achieve more when their parents are involved in their education. But they also say that involvement by Hispanic families is hampered by language barriers, misinformation, cultural norms, lack of transportation and confusion about school systems.
Second, be aware that The Indiana Partnerships Center is here to help you cut through all that. We offer programs, such as Voices in Action, for parents and school personnel so that you learn to understand and relate to one another. We hold workshops, such as Asking the Right Questions in Spanish. Our newsletter, Partners in Learning, is published in Spanish. And we partner with other organizations that have earned your trust. We have bilingual staff and consultants.
To learn what President Obama wants to do for diverse learners, including children from families learning English, take a look at this brochure: