Parent Involvement
There are many reasons as to why the parents of Limited English Proficient (LEP) students do not get involved.
These reasons are common factors which cause parents to remain uninvolved in their child's education. These factors hold true for both native and non-native English speaking students and parents.
- Communication problems
- Time constraints
- Cultural views regarding the role of parents
- Negative experiences with education
These reasons are common factors which cause parents to remain uninvolved in their child's education. These factors hold true for both native and non-native English speaking students and parents.
Teacher Response
In order to encourage parent and community involvement in the education of students, consider the following:
- Think beyond stereotypes.
- Don't assume that parents understand the administration and procedures common in the U.S. public school system.
- Create flyers in your students' native languages and post them in native language newspapers and/or international stores.
- Offer workshops to inform parents of key information regarding your school system and their child's educational experience.
- Learn and stay informed about the cultures within your classroom.
- Identify specific steps for parents to follow to stay informed about classroom and school activities and functions.
- Participate and sponsor community events that encourage parent involvement in their child's school.
- Build a support network to assist parents in the school system.