Research shows that parent engagement has a lasting impact on student success. Regardless of family income or background, students with actively involved parents are more likely to:
- Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in advanced programs
- Be promoted, pass their classes, and stay on track academically
- Attend school regularly
- Develop strong social skills, show positive behavior, and adjust well to school
- Graduate and pursue postsecondary opportunities
In some U.S. states, one in four students is an English language learner (ELL). This statistic highlights the importance of strengthening partnerships with all families and finding creative ways to collaborate. Research indicates that when families of English language learners are engaged in their child’s education, student outcomes improve.
For educators, engaging with these families may require different approaches than in traditional classroom settings. Language differences, cultural expectations, and varying experiences with education can shape how families participate in their child’s learning. Educators must take the lead in creating welcoming environments that encourage families to play an active role. As one ESL teacher shared, “It’s not just about fundraising and showing up to parent nights.”
Here are four practical ways to foster collaboration and engagement with families of English language learners.
1. Adopt a Growth Mindset
Rethinking how you view the experiences and contributions of English language learners and their families is an important step. Mindset expert Carol Dweck explains, “When people change to a growth mindset, they change from a judge-and-be-judged framework to a learn-and-help-learn framework. Their commitment is to growth, and growth takes plenty of time, effort, and mutual support.”
Educators and families share a common goal: their students’ success. Approaching family engagement with flexibility, encouragement, and patience will help build strong, trusting relationships.
2. Recognize and Celebrate Cultural Differences
Getting to know the families of students and inviting cultural traditions into your classroom sends a powerful message—students and their families belong, and their experiences are valued.
The backgrounds of English language learners provide a rich foundation for creating meaningful learning experiences. However, different cultural norms may shape families’ expectations for involvement in their child’s education. You can build strong relationships with families by:
- Learning about students’ home cultures and traditions
- Encouraging families to share their experiences and traditions with the class
- Clearly communicating your commitment to their child’s success
A welcoming and culturally aware learning environment helps students feel comfortable and confident while encouraging family participation in ways that feel natural to them.
3. Focus on Clear Communication
English language learners are gaining the advantage of bilingual proficiency, but their families may have varying levels of comfort communicating in English. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, educators can take simple steps to ensure parents feel informed and involved:
- Use clear, straightforward language in communications
- Provide translated materials or invite bilingual volunteers to support discussions
- Encourage student-led conferences where children explain their progress in both languages
- Offer hands-on demonstrations at school events to explain grading, testing, and classroom expectations
- Support literacy in the home language, as strong first-language skills reinforce second-language learning
By ensuring parents feel welcomed and informed, educators can strengthen engagement and encourage active participation in their child’s learning.
4. Be Flexible with Logistics
Busy work schedules, transportation challenges, and childcare needs can all impact parents’ ability to attend school meetings and events. Creative solutions can help bridge the gap and make engagement more accessible:
- Plan ahead to provide parents with ample notice for meetings
- Offer virtual meeting options via Zoom, WhatsApp, or other digital platforms
- Arrange home or workplace visits if families are unable to meet at school
- Provide childcare at school events to help parents attend
Building relationships with families takes time, patience, and persistence. But as parents see you as an advocate for their child’s success, engagement will naturally increase, leading to better outcomes for students.
For more ideas on family engagement, explore this collection of resources.
