English Learner Services


Parent Resources & Workshops

As their children’s first teachers, parents play a critically important role in the academic success of students. To help ensure that the parents of second-language learners understand and participate in their children’s education, SCOE provides a variety of resources and workshops especially designed for the parents of English learners.

Print Resources

Parent Articles in English and Spanish
EL Services develops educational articles for parents that are published monthly in La Voz Bilingual Newspaper. The articles are available to educators and parents in both Spanish and English and may be adapted for, or reprinted in, school and district newsletters. A variety of topics have been addressed, from Raising a Reader to the ABCs of Financial Aid for College. Many of these topics can also be covered as parent workshops.

Workshops

Parent workshops are designed specifically for parents of English learners and can be presented in either Spanish or English. Each two-hour workshop includes a presentation and engaging hands-on activities. Background information, particularly as it relates to the structure of the educational system, and cultural considerations are embedded in the presentations. The workshops are delivered by Reina Salgado, who has over 15 years experience working with English learners and their parents. Each session is tailored to the specific needs of the audience. Topic areas are described below.

Forming an English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
This workshop supports the formation of a strong parent advisory committee for English learners. Parents ready to serve on English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) or District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) will receive assistance on how to form an effective team to support student success.

ELAC Roles and Responsibilities
Parents will learn about the purpose of the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) and their role as committee members. Strategies for carrying out responsibilities in a practical and productive manner, while encouraging broad parent participation and engagement, will be highlighted. Discussions are tailored to meet the needs of the sponsoring district and/or school site. (This workshop can also be customized for school administration personnel.)

Monitoring Student Progress
Parents will engage in hands-on activities designed to help them become familiar with state standards and the formal and informal assessments schools administer. Tips and strategies for monitoring and supporting their children's academic progress will be highlighted.

Homework: Why is it Important? How Can Parents Help?
Parents will participate in a discussion about the purpose of homework, types of activities generally assigned for homework, what parents can do at home to help with homework, and what resources are available when they aren't able to help.

Academic Success Begins at Home
This workshop will explore a parent's role in children's academic success. Discussion will focus on the physical, emotional and social well-being of students and the importance of providing a home environment that fosters academic success (e.g., place for homework, discipline, routines).

Your Home Language, Your Family, Your Child
Parents will reflect on the value of their home language and the role it plays in their child’s education. Strategies for supporting and maintaining home language will be presented.

Parents as Partners: Transition to Kindergarten

Parents as Partners is a workshop series for the parents of incoming kindergarten students who are English learners. The five workshop sessions can be delivered in English or Spanish and include:

  • Language Development: Talk, Talk, Talk
  • Early Literacy: Read, Read, Read
  • Early Numeracy: Count, Count, Count
  • Parent Participation: We Can, We Can, We Can
  • Parent Participation: Adelante, Adelante, Adelante

In addition to offering this workshop series, SCOE holds an annual Training of Trainers to prepare school personnel and parent volunteers to deliver the curriculum.

Parents as Partners was developed as a collaborative effort of Community Action Partnership, First 5 Sonoma County, Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County, and Sonoma County Office of Education.

Contact

For more information or to schedule workshops, contact: