FBA Section 12

Teachers of ELLs also have a duty to be advocates for the students and their
families. Teachers must first recognize the cultural practices and uniqueness of each
ELL before they can help. Teachers can be advocates of their students by promoting
this belief through the entire school. The staff and student body must recognize that the
differences of the ELLs add to the school, not create difficulties. For those teachers who
do have difficulties with ELLs in the classroom, training must be provided. ESL teachers
should facilitate the movement towards administrative responsibility to be sure all
teachers comply with the given guidelines. Administration can help ESL teachers
become advocates by providing time for the ESL staff to help teachers learn to use
realia, construct manipulatives, assess in formative and summative methods, provide
tiered questions, and how to adapt lessons to ELP levels. Peer coaching is a program
that authors Galbraith and Anstrom (1995) call an effective staff development model for
educators of linguistically and culturally diverse students. Research shows that
professional development is one of the most effective methods of improving a schools
ESL program.
ESL staff can also work with administration to plan the type of program model the
school will adopt. As ELL populations change, the programs need to be regularly
assessed. For example, the implementation of a dual language program may be
necessary. Research shows that the number of ELL students in American schools are
rising year by year, and what may have worked for a school five years ago may not best
serve the ELL needs this year. Schools that are part of a larger district also need to
have district wide policy, and the ESL staffs at all the district schools should work
together for a seamless experience as the students work forward through the grades.
This can ensure continuity for the ELL, which may be lacking in all other areas of their
lives.
Teachers can advocate for the families as well. One way is to seek out community
events and organizations who can provide help an ELL family needs: how to apply for a
drivers license, how to understand college applications, how to contact the school!
Jasinsky (2012) outlines a parent program that any school can adopt, in several forms
to best fit the school and its ELL population.