Montenegro

Ms Montenegro's presentation was very informative about the challenges of meeting the needs of ELLs in our schools.  In her role, she is interacting with and advocating for the families and their ability to participate in the decision making process.  I was really struck by some of the points she made about involving parents.  First, the homework club she created and requires parents to attend.  I know a lot of my high-schoolers' parents don't feel comfortable helping kids with homework because they don't understand the material - imagine adding a language difference as well.  I am really intrigued by the Diccionario de tareas para los padres and the way in which that helps invite parents into the process.  The fact that she gives each of her families a picture dictionary to help the parents learn some basic words for the environment around them.  I was also struck when she said if you invite the parents - in their language - they will come.  Again, the importance of partnering with, inviting and welcoming our parents.  At the same time - funding is hard. I am curious about what funds she was referring to when she said schools are given for money for this and if the amount is sufficient?