Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment Through Communication Between ELL Families and School Districts

This capstone project explores the question: How can school districts improve communication and collaboration with English Language Learner (ELL) families to support student achievement and engagement? The gap of communication and collaboration between ELL families and districts is a growing area of concern as diversity in the United States population continues to rise. Districts with diverse student populations may find difficulty engaging with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. A literature review was conducted, and a professional development (PD) was created to highlight and offer strategies to mitigate the problem for district professionals who work with ELL students and their families. The literature review and PD examine barriers faced by ELL families and educators, proposing theoretical frameworks with strategies to mitigate the problem, and improve student outcomes by reducing the gap of communication and collaboration between districts and ELL families. It is a shared responsibility within district communities to create welcoming environments for students and families of all backgrounds. When districts work to implement culturally relevant practices, it impacts various aspects of student achievement.

Grantor dc:publisher

SUNY Brockport Department of Education and Human Development

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Pangrazio, Cassandra

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mazurett-Boyle, Rosa

• English language learners (ELLs)
• district-family communication and collaboration
• family engagement
• culturally responsive pedagogy
• funds of knowledge approach

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12648/83167

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:soar.suny.edu:20.500.12648/83167