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The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in December 2015 and it was the first update to the main law on K-12 education in more than a decade. Keeping informed of upcoming changes is critical to ensure optimal implementation on new policies. It’s now time for the law to become policy as policymakers prepare to roll it … Read More

Understanding the fundamentals of Title III and ELLs is vital for bilingual educators. The purpose of Title III in the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) law is straightforward and remains true to its original intent: help ensure that English language learners (ELLs) attain English language proficiency and meet their states’ academic requirements. The funding to support this goes … Read More

In a report aimed at identifying ways to increase school involvement of Hispanic parents, many of the same conclusions were found. In addition, a further disconnect was noted, in which some educators viewed Hispanic lack of involvement and non-confrontational, non-assertive tone as lack of caring for their child’s academics. It’s important to note that Hispanic parents have many influences that … Read More

Is Language Learned or Acquired? Is language learned or acquired? Language fluency cannot be learned, says Stephen D. Krashen, one of the theory’s leading exponents. That is, conscious mastery of grammar and vocabulary–while serving an editing function in speech or writing–is an insufficient basis for effective communication. Instead, such proficiency must be acquired, Mr. Krashen argues, and this happens, he … Read More

A Quick Brief on Family Engagement in ESSA New guidelines and changes have been made to Title III in the recently released and reauthorized ESSA, most notably, the transference of English Language Proficiency (ELP) accountability from Title III to Title I, and the establishment and implementation of entrance and exit procedures for English learners (ELs). In general, these changes have … Read More

Connections Between Literacy and the Parent The connection between a parent’s literacy skills and their child’s literacy skills is undeniable. While both parents can and should be involved with teaching children to read, mothers are especially important teachers. Mothers who are more highly educated have greater success rates in providing their children with the cognitive and language skills that contribute … Read More

K-12 Education in 2017 The K-12 educational world is wondering what will happen in 2017 on several fronts, especially as a new Administration takes office. Although it’s hard to predict what may occur at this point, various observers in the field indicate that there are some things to watch for in 2017: 1) As important as the new Secretary of … Read More

Build Parent Capacity with Hispanics Title I, Part A Building parent capacity and leadership is a strong focus for Title I, Part A for Parent Involvement. When working with Spanish-speaking parents, it’s best to provide parents with a step-by-step training opportunity in order to become leaders at school. Parents can then assist teachers, staff and other parents. Depending on your … Read More

English Learners There are 1.4 million students in California public schools designated as English Learners. That’s about 25% of the current student population. The number could be even larger as many students will later move on from their EL status after a period of positive achievement. According to recent test scores, the state of California has had continued success in … Read More