Family engagement plays a vital role in the educational journey of English learners, especially in early childhood, where the groundwork for language development begins. Addressing chronic absenteeism and strengthening home-school connections are key to ensuring these students have the support they need to thrive. 

In our recent podcast interview with Dr. Rebecca Palacios, we explored the impact of family involvement on English learners and delved into strategies that can make a lasting difference. Dr. Palacios is a National Board Certified Teacher, and leading expert in early childhood education. With over five decades of experience, she is a pioneer in the field of dual language learning and specializes in curriculum planning and instructional design.

Listen to the full episode here and find episode resources below.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Palacios references a number of articles:

• The article referenced during the introductory discussion of Dr. Palacios’ story in The Atlantic
• Annual National Parents Union report card survey referencing high anxiety for parents around their child’s academic preparedness for the next school year discussed in question five about the six building blocks of the science of reading
• Resources mentioned that exist to help our teachers and schools to support and educate families:
  • EdTrust article on supporting young learners in parent engagement
  • The book titled Being your Child’s Most Important teacher: A guide for Families with Young Children which provides families with ideas for learning opportunities that can happen every day. Spanish/English!
• Recent study referenced that show that schools with robust family engagement had significantly lower rates of chronic absenteeism
• Learn more about the Ana book series mentioned in the last question of the episode: SomosUno
• Learn more about the work of Dr. Palacios

For additional episode and community resources:

• Download the full episode transcript here
• For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog
• To expand your connection within the Ellevation community by join our ⁠Ellevation Educator Facebook Group.

Dr. Palacios is a National Board Certified Teacher, and leading expert in early childhood education. With over five decades of experience, she is a pioneer in the field of dual language learning and specializes in curriculum planning and instructional design.

In addition to being a founding director of The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and formerly serving as its vice-chairperson, she is also a co-founder of the Texas National Board Coalition for Teaching and serves as its Treasurer. And she also serves as a Curriculum Board Member for Age of Learning, the leading education technology company that created ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy

Dr. Palacios can be found at one of the many local, state, national and international levels on teacher standards, early childhood, STEAM and dual language/bilingual education. She served on the initial ELL cadre through the American Federation of Teachers that helped produce the Colorín Colorado website. Dr. Palacios is the author of a family engagement book, Being Your Child's Most Important Teacher: A Guide for Families with Young Children. and the author of a dual language children's book series.

In addition to being Corpus Christi Independent School District’s first Teacher of the Year (1987), Dr. Palacios was the first Latina to be inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame (2014). Most recently, Dr. Palacios received the prestigious James A. Kelly Award for Advancing Accomplished Teaching, which is the highest award bestowed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.