New Guidelines for ESSA and English Learners

New Guidelines for ESSA and English Learners – October 2016 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 … Read More

ESSA and Early Learning

ESSA and Early Learning In the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), support for early learning can be found in almost every section of the act; most are discretionary and not mandated. There are numerous decisions to be made at the school district level. Funding can be used to support the development of a P-3 approach to early learning in a … Read More

The Changes in Parent Involvement Expectations Over 40 Years

The importance of education cannot be overstated. The annual American Education Week (AEW) that takes place every November is a reminder of the vital role getting an education plays in this country. The week was founded in 1921 by the National Education Association after it was discovered that 25% of World War I draftees lacked an ability to read. Among the many … Read More

Helping Young Children by Reaching Out to Parents with Books

Generally, children who are exposed to language and reading at a very young age are more likely to have a chance to excel in their educational pursuits. The New York Times (NYT) shares that Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman said, “The greatest barrier to college education is not high tuitions or the risk of student debt; it’s in the skills … Read More

How Does Parent Involvement Affect Student Achievement?

Parental involvement is one of the core components that have been shown to provide a healthy and positive effect on the academic achievement levels of children in grades K-12. The results have been almost unanimous among a variety of studies demonstrating improved grades and exam scores, high attendance and graduation rates, and advanced behavioral skills among students whose parents play … Read More

Parental Engagement Resources for Hispanic Parents

One of the biggest obstacles to student achievement is a lack of parental involvement in a child’s academic pursuits. For Hispanic students, this can be a challenge to negotiate due to the difficulties their parents sometimes face when it comes to finding the proper outlets or resources to engage in a meaningful manner. At the heart of the problem is … Read More

Building Positive ELL Parent – Teacher Relationships

Building Positive ELL Parent – Teacher Relationships The avenues of communication between teachers and parents are paramount in the successful academic outcomes of a child. Without a healthy back and forth of ideas between both stakeholders, the child could potentially fall through the proverbial cracks where their learning is concerned. Teachers are tasked with educating students during the school day … Read More

The Value of Training Teachers in Cultural Awareness

Student populations are becoming more diverse and schools need to begin to foster an educational environment that is culturally aware enough to include all ethnic backgrounds in the classroom. Becoming more cognizant of the many cultures and ethnic groups that make up the student body will not only encourage children to seek out and learn about people and places that … Read More

What Can Title III Funds be Used for in Parent Involvement Efforts?

What Can Title III Funds be Used for in Parent Involvement Efforts? Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is the funding component that gives states the necessary financial resources to develop standards-based learning initiatives and programs for English Language Learners (ELLs) in the form of subgrants. These funds are designed to improve the academic outcomes toward … Read More

BREAKING NEWS – New Report: States are Making Strides in Early Learning

Expanding Access & Quality – States are Making Strides in Early Learning From the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics: Expanding Access and Quality The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released a national report as well as state reports today that show Early Learning Challenge states are rapidly improving the quality of early learning programs while enrolling more children, … Read More