1. Fall Federal Grant Programs Conference October 23, 2017
ESOL for Parents: An Effective Way to Strengthen Family-School Partnerships
Fall Federal Grant Programs Conference
October 23, 2017

2. English for New Bostonian’s Mission
ENB’s mission is to invest in the future of our region by creating opportunities for English language learners to pursue their educational, economic and civic aspirations.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

3. ENB Mission continued
ENB makes free and affordable English-language classes available to over 1000 immigrants in Massachusetts every year. We focus on innovative programs that are located in immigrants’ neighborhoods, workplaces and schools, and are customized to their experiences and goals.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

4. Why ESOL for Parents? --Parents have common interests and concerns.
--Parent ESOL leads to increased parent engagement in children’s learning.
Parent ESOL helps two generations at the same time.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

5. ESOL for Parents and Caregivers Curriculum
Helps immigrant parents learn English and learn how to support their children’s success in school Is a contextualized, school related curriculum which teaches English in the context of schools, education, parenting and community resources. Is available on line at
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

7. The Contents Topic 1: Navigating BPS Six Units, 28 Activities
Topic 2: School Involvement
Five Units, 21 Activities
Topic 3: Supporting Children’s Learning
10 Units, 46 Activities
Note: The complete listing is printed in the conference booklet, following the slides of this presentation.
Look at Topic, Unit and Activity List
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

8. Sample Activity From Topic 2: Supporting Children’s Learning
Unit 2 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Activity #3: Preparing for Your Teacher Conference
Note: The sample activity is printed in the conference booklet, following the slides and the topic/activity list.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

9. Activity Format
Each activity in the curriculum is formatted in a standard way:
--Rationale
--Student Objectives
--Materials (handouts, links to videos & texts)
--Activity Outline
--Follow-up Activities
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

10. Can you Adapt the Curriculum? YES
To use in districts outside of Boston
To use in general adult ESOL classes
To use in parenting groups
To use with more beginning or more advanced students.
For more information, go to the
“How to Use the Curriculum” link at
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

11. To adapt to districts outside of Boston
If curriculum materials are specific to Boston, use the approach suggested, but with materials from your district.
Your district calendar for the school year
Your district report card
Your district attendance policy
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

12. Why ESOL for Parents?
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

13. Why ESOL for Parents?
“This is my first English class since I came to the US in It has helped me learn many things about the school I didn’t know before. Like how to read the report cards and how I can go to the library to get help with homework for my children. I learned I can speak to my child’s teacher with confidence and how to write a note to her when my son is sick. Now I go to the Parent Council. I want to know how the school works and everything about what parents can do.”
Istahil Ali, Somalian Parent, 3/2017
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

14. Research shows that children benefit when parents are actively engaged in their education
better attendance
higher grades and better test scores
higher promotion rates
better social skills and behavior
better adaptation to school
more likely to graduate and continue studying
From National Center on Family Learning
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

15. Browsing the Curriculum
Go to:
*Each unit in the curriculum is an active link. Download the unit and scroll through the activities and handouts.
*Handouts are word documents which teachers can modify.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

16. ESOL for Parents: An Effective Way to Strengthen Family-School Partnerships
Presenters:
Susan Klaw, ENB Parent Initiative Consultant & Curriculum Developer
Lee Haller, Program Manager ENB
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education