1. ELLs in Texas: What Teachers Need to Know
PLC Guide
Chapter 3 – Overcome Barriers to Parental Involvement
This PLC meeting is based upon Chapter Three in the book ELLs in Texas: What Teachers Need to Know, Overcome Barriers to Parental Involvement. There is no introductory video for this session.
Each participant needs to have their copy of the book, highlighter, pen and post-its. You will need chart paper or a white board for this session. 1

2. Put it on the Table
Using the information you gathered from the last meeting, complete the following stems:
As I reviewed the Proficiency Level Descriptors with one student in mind, I discovered…
I noticed that the domain that needs the most attention is ______, and I plan to _______.
This is intended to be a share-out activity for the whole group. If the group is too large or time does not permit, participants can share with a partner or in a small group.
Classroom Tip: Allowing students to review a previously assigned task briefly can set up a readiness for extended or new learning. It also provides ELLs an opportunity to clarify their understanding or practice formulating responses to previous learning. 2

3. Talk 1
Discuss: What are effective ways to communicate with parents of ELLs?
Make a list of ten or more ideas on chart paper.
Talk about which ones you have tried and which ones you want to try.
Tell participants that this list can include things they know of from other campuses or things they have done elsewhere. The goal of the activity is for participants to see a wide variety of strategies; some of which they may not have seen or thought about previously.
Classroom Tip: Producing a group list is helpful for ELLs. They are able to see and hear multiple related ideas and can be exposed in a low-risk way to additional words to use when talking about a topic. 3

4. Read Read the activities on pages 112-115. Pay Attention To:
Activities you think would work well on your campus
Ways to invite parents of ELLs to become involved.
Remind participants about the PAT List on p. 183 that is the basis for this activity. 4

5. Talk 2
Share your favorite activity with a partner. If you have time, share some activities you have tried on your own. 5

6. Write
Using the activity you chose, or another that was shared, write a To Do list for making the activity happen.
This writing task provides encouragement for making something happen. If appropriate, you can ask each participant to use the To Do list to implement the strategy. 6

7. Make It Real Read p. 121 in the book.
When you meet again, be prepared to share your experiences through pictures, video, or artifacts that highlight the community beyond the school walls.
This can be a fun activity to do with a partner. Challenge participants to select a neighborhood that they are unfamiliar with to complete the activity. 7