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Building Strong Connections with ML/EL Families: Essential Strategies for Success

Building Strong Connections with ML/EL Families: Essential Strategies for Success

Family engagement is essential for all students, including ML/EL (multilingual learner/English learner) students. While having a dedicated ML/EL teacher or bilingual helper is valuable, involving ML/EL families is a responsibility that everyone—administrators, staff, parents, and students — should share. Although it might be challenging at first and may require some creative approaches, the goal is to work together to build a better future for everyone.
We recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our ML/EL families. Building strong connections with these families is key to ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive. Here are some essential strategies to help us achieve this goal:


1. Get to Know Your ML/EL Families
Understanding the diverse backgrounds of our ML/EL families is the first step toward effective support. Knowing details such as their cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds helps us tailor our programs and services to meet their unique needs.

Reflection Questions:

  • What do we already know about our ML/EL students and their families?
  • What more do we want to learn?
  • Who on our staff works most closely with ML/EL families?
  • What information would be beneficial for all staff members to have?


2. Strategies for Gathering Information
If you're seeking more insights into your ML/EL families, consider these strategies:

  • Identify Origins: Learn where our families come from, how many ML/ELs were born in the U.S., and what languages they speak.
  • Understand Cultural and Educational Backgrounds: Explore the educational systems in their home countries and understand any challenges, such as interrupted education or refugee status.
  • Utilize Resources: Start by consulting with our ML/EL/bilingual educators, who have valuable experience to share. Also, tap into district and community resources for background information and interpreter support.
  • Engage the Community: Identify staff members, community members, or parents who can provide additional cultural or linguistic insights.
  • Direct Family Input: Use home language surveys or simple questionnaires, with interpreter assistance, during student enrollment to gather information directly from families.


A Note on Diversity:
It’s essential to remember that our ML/EL population is diverse, with varying needs and experiences. For example, the child of a migrant worker from Mexico may have different educational and economic needs compared to the child of a teacher from Mexico. By learning about each child’s unique circumstances, we can provide more personalized support.

By implementing these strategies, we can build strong, lasting connections with our ML/EL families, ensuring that every student feels understood and supported in our school community. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where all students can excel. 

Credits:
Resources and insights from Common Sense and the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE).