Communication with Families
Communication is the first step to engaging with families and building strong relationships with them. Below are suggestions and resources that schools and districts can use to create inclusive, two-way communication practices to engage families of English learners in supporting their child’s learning at home and in school.
Partners in Communication
Connections can be created by working with community groups and diverse stakeholder teams. Below are potential partners who can bring value to communication with multilingual families:
- Community partners: It is important to partner with community organizations to reach culturally and linguistically diverse families. The community resource working group of the Ohio English Learner Advisory Committee recommends that schools begin by taking time to understand the language skills and cultural identities of families. This information may be obtained by school staff who are responsible for administering the Language Usage Survey given to all students.
- Question one of the Language Usage Survey asks for information regarding a family's preferred mode of communication. Talking with families about the community organizations they use provides information about which agencies to contact.
- For example: one school administrator used this strategy and learned about La Mega Radio and the Ohio Habla podcast. In this case, school staff contacted the radio station and the podcast producer to find ways they could collaborate. The school staff utilized the materials as a part of professional learning for staff to understand their multilingual community.
- Diverse stakeholder team: School administrators are encouraged to assemble a team of stakeholders (including members of the district’s diverse families) to assess the accessibility of information for people with limited English proficiency. The team can review websites for accessibility and translation technologies, and provide feedback on support plans and processes for families and staff to follow.
Facilitating Meaningful Communication
Schools and districts foster meaningful communication by using responsive techniques. Setting a pattern or cadence of communication supports all students and families, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Below are some methods that may encourage success when communicating with multilingual families:
Related Resources:
Last Modified: 5/30/2025 12:26:06 PM