I think it is extremely important to examine the role of the parents in shaping the literacy development of an ELL child. Having a parent be involved and invested in a child’s learning can certainly help both the student and the parent in multiple ways. Literacy is more than reading and writing, and involves an understanding of culture and how people relate to one another. This realization and understanding can, and should, be done in cooperation with the parents or another guardian. However, it is often difficult for parents, immigrant or American born, to deeply invest in a child’s educational journey. This can be due to several reasons, including working multiple jobs, and isn’t limited to immigrant parents.
There is sometimes a disconnect between students and their parents when the child becomes integrated into “American culture,” while the parents may still encourage the native culture and native language to be used at home. This could lead to tension between parent and child. Programs like CABE’s Inspire Campaign aim to abolish or prevent this tension by teaching parents about the U.S school system and the expectations of parents in a student’s development.
I came across a foundation in my research called the Foundation for Educational Choice. Basically, their ideology revolves around this idea that where you live shouldn’t determine the quality of your child’s public education. They strive to give parents and children the right to choose which school the student will attend, regardless of where they were born or where they currently reside. This pro-choice approach has supposedly led to more racially and ethnically integrated schools by breaking down “neighborhood barriers” and promoting wholesome and quality education to all students.
Another initiative, the Intergenerational Literacy Project, offers a great concept similar to CABE’s Inspire Campaign. It is sometimes the case that parents are unable or hesitant to take part in their child’s education and learning development because of cultural reasons. There are often language barriers preventing the parents from helping their child in English, as I have mentioned in previous posts. ILP and CABE are both aimed at diminishing this barrier and supporting parents by teaching English and providing a collaborative effort with their children. CABE and Boston University are in perfect locations to network and start a nationwide movement toward promoting more adequate support for immigrant parents, bilingual students, and successful collaboration between both.
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