On Saturday, April 16, Reading And Beyond held our first conference for parents of students classified as English Language Learners (ELL) at the Mosqueda Community Center in Southeast Fresno.  We had a great turnout with over 165 parents in attendance.

The conference was part of the English Language Learner Advocacy Program funded by the James Irvine Foundation through Families in Schools (FIS).

The goals of the conference were to give parents information to make informed decisions about their child’s education, encourage parents to engage in their child’s education in meaningful ways, and enhance parents’ knowledge on how to ensure their children graduate and are university-eligible.

Luis Santana, Executive Director of Reading And Beyond, welcomed the parents to the event.  He shared his thoughts on the importance of their participation in their children’s education, also noting that education was not impossible or too late for themselves.  Mr. Santana ended the welcome speech with a final note: “Do not give up on the dreams for your children.”

During the conference, parents attended three rotating workshops:

Before School – The importance of early childhood education, presented by Maria Rosales, Lead Facilitator for Abriendo Puerta.

In School – The importance of reclassification from English Language Learner (ELL) to Fluent English Proficient (FEP), presented by Marlene Wilson, ELL consultant for FIS.

Beyond School – How to ensure that your child is eligible for a four-year university by Perla Perez Maciel, Academic Counselor at California State University Fresno.

Parents were given t-shirts representing their pledge to their children:

1. I will make sure my child goes to school everyday.
   

2. I will make sure my child does his homework.
   

3. I will make sure my child reaches his reading grade level.
   

4. I will make sure my child graduates from high school.
   

5. I will make sure my child becomes a professional.
   

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!

View the PHOTO GALLERY of the event

Learn more about Reading And Beyond’s

English Language Learner Advocacy Program (ELLA)

“

You and your team should feel very good about today's institute. It was one of the most successful, well attended ones I have been to in a very long time and success like this doesn't just happen, it has to do with leadership and perseverance and there was evidence of both. The day was very well organized , parents felt appreciated, there was tons of enthusiasm everywhere and during the sessions parents were attentive and had great insightful questions.  Thank you for inviting me to share what I know about schools with them. It was an honor.  Keep up the good work!”

~ Marlene Wilson

ELL Parent Conference

VIDEO

ELL Parent Involvement

The conference featured a video produced by Reading And Beyond, in which five parents of ELL students sit down to discuss their personal experience with the ELL classification process and how it affects their children.

Watch the video here or on our Video Page.