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Breaking down barriers with ESL
  
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By YVETTE OROZCO
In the last year, parents of students from Gardens Elementary School have been studying along with their children.
Through the school’s ESL (English as Second Language) program, many Spanish-only-speaking parents have been learning to read and speak English. The program’s objective is to encourage the parents’ role in the study habits of their children.
Until now, the classes depended on volunteer availability.
In August, 2008 Literacy Advance joined forces with Gardens to expand the program by providing tutorial training to the school’s teachers, aids and staff. The program is expected to be implemented by mid-September, but school officials have already seen the difference in what ESL can add to education.
“I have already had parents that participated last year whose friends want to do it this year,” said Vicki Lenio, assistant principal at Gardens.
Those parents who participated in ESL, said Lenio, have expressed plans to join the PTA and become more involved in school activities and programs.
“Those people were not signing up to volunteer before, so it has already made a difference,” she said. “They feel vested in the school and a part of the school.”
The demand and interest was always there, said Lenio, but the resources were limited. Now, the school is hoping to provide several classes throughout the week and at flexible times in order to reach as many parents as possible.
“By helping the parents of our schools, we're also impacting the children, and that's what we really want to do is help everyone," said Jen Walters with Literacy Advance. “That could eventually lead to better test scores because parents can stay on top of their children's studies.”
The Gardens’ staff has responded, with over 80 teachers, aids and other staff members ready to begin classes.
For the parents, breaking the language barrier is a way of opening doors, to themselves and as well as the students.
“When you build that solid relationship with the parents, they feel welcome in the school and they volunteer,” said Lenio. “It’s a benefit to all of the kids, not only their kids.”
For more information, contact Literacy Advance at 713-266-8777 or visit www.literacyadvance.org.
Through the school’s ESL (English as Second Language) program, many Spanish-only-speaking parents have been learning to read and speak English. The program’s objective is to encourage the parents’ role in the study habits of their children.
Until now, the classes depended on volunteer availability.
In August, 2008 Literacy Advance joined forces with Gardens to expand the program by providing tutorial training to the school’s teachers, aids and staff. The program is expected to be implemented by mid-September, but school officials have already seen the difference in what ESL can add to education.
“I have already had parents that participated last year whose friends want to do it this year,” said Vicki Lenio, assistant principal at Gardens.
Those parents who participated in ESL, said Lenio, have expressed plans to join the PTA and become more involved in school activities and programs.
“Those people were not signing up to volunteer before, so it has already made a difference,” she said. “They feel vested in the school and a part of the school.”
The demand and interest was always there, said Lenio, but the resources were limited. Now, the school is hoping to provide several classes throughout the week and at flexible times in order to reach as many parents as possible.
“By helping the parents of our schools, we're also impacting the children, and that's what we really want to do is help everyone," said Jen Walters with Literacy Advance. “That could eventually lead to better test scores because parents can stay on top of their children's studies.”
The Gardens’ staff has responded, with over 80 teachers, aids and other staff members ready to begin classes.
For the parents, breaking the language barrier is a way of opening doors, to themselves and as well as the students.
“When you build that solid relationship with the parents, they feel welcome in the school and they volunteer,” said Lenio. “It’s a benefit to all of the kids, not only their kids.”
For more information, contact Literacy Advance at 713-266-8777 or visit www.literacyadvance.org.
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