Empowering English Learner Families (Pennsylvania)
In this worksheet series parents and caregivers will find information on:
- Child and parent and caregiver legal rights
- Terminology, actions, and questions to ask schools
- English Learner and disability support services
- Resources for identification, translation, and interpretation
A resource for Pennsylvania parents and caregivers to advocate for their child’s personal and academic success.
- This resource helps parents and caregivers of English Learners understand their rights and effectively advocate for their children’s success in school. It outlines what families and schools are responsible for and offers practical tools to support clear communication and collaboration.
- Each worksheet includes helpful definitions, questions to ask, and actions families can take to ensure their child receives the services and support they need. Families are encouraged to review the materials before school meetings and request communication in their primary language.
- Schools and districts can share these worksheets with families to strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for English Learners. For additional support, contact MAEC.
The original document was developed by the Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine (CEFAM) at MAEC and authored by Jenny Portillo-Nacu, Senior Education Equity Specialist. We acknowledge with gratitude the influence of ¡Adelante! Moving Forward!, a 2019 publication by MAEC authored by Maria del Rosario Basterra and Natasha Quiroga (Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law), whose valuable contributions informed and inspired this work. Through the work of Dr. Jessica Webster, Senior Family Engagement Specialist, and in collaboration with education experts in Pennsylvania, the original document was modified for use for Pennsylvania families.
