2011

A Guide for Engaging ELL Families: 

Twenty Strategies for School Leaders 

Written for Colorín Colorado by 

Lydia Breiseth 

A Guide for Engaging ELL Families: Twenty Strategies for School Leaders

March 15, 2013

The education of all children is imperative for the well-being of a democratic society. Yet, 

our non-English speaking populations are often denied equal educational opportunities. 1

Children from Spanish-speaking families in particular have consistently scored below the 

children of native-English speakers.2 Further, a number of school finance adequacy 

studies3 and court decisions have pointed to inequities in state funding systems that 

discount the unique needs of English Language Learners (ELLs).4 Estimated additional 

per-pupil costs needed for ELL students ranges from 25% to 140%, depending on the 

system’s funding base and how the program is defined.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Pre-Kindergarten Programs  provide a rich, child-centered, literacy-focused program that incorporates and encourages regular parent involvement.  We invite parent involvement through:
• Home Visits 
• Parent Orientation 
• Parent - Teacher Conferences 
• Classroom Visits 
• Volunteering 
• Parent Workshops and Training 
• Family Reading program