Case
FCAT Struggle

A student who has been in ESOL instruction for 5 years has been unable to test out. This is not because she is unable to pass the CELLA, but because she is unable to score a 3 on the FCAT. Her parents do not understand how this system works, and are asking for clarification. They do not understand why she is still in and ESOL classroom if she has passed the CELLA. How do you explain this to them, as they have limited english proficiency themselves?

Posted on: 04/18/13 | Views: 1180
Solution #1
I would request a meeting with the parents, ESOL teacher, and a translator to discuss the process in the parents primary language. This way, the parents could hear the explanation and see the body language of the different team members.

I would exactly do this

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Solution #2
There are many tools and resources out there than can help with this sort of problem. One possible solution is to type out an email or letter and use google translate to translate the email or letter into the native language of the parents.

If the parents spoke Spanish, I would get a translator from Dade City because Dade City has people who speak social Spanish, not classroom taught Spanish. I would have the translator (who has been an ESOL student) explain the process with his personal story, similar to the given student's, about why their daughter is still an ESOL student. Then I would explain how this is a good thing fit the student with the help of the translator. If the parents didn't speak Spanish, then I would ask another person or teacher for help on how to get the message across.

The FCAT is a confusing process in general. I believe the best way to handle this would have an ESOL teacher explain to the parents how it works and how it effects their child.

I would exactly do this

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Solution #3
Hi N Gunnin, I would research the policies for ELL students and the FCAT in your district. I would type those policies up into a hand out and provide the parents with versions in English and their native language. I would conference with the parents and use strategies that you would use with an ELL student to explain the handout to the parents. Highlight important parts, point while you read, define key vocabulary. Identify resources at your school that help students prep for the FCAT. Recommend these resources to the parents. Maybe even recommend a tutor for the student. Can the student speak English well enough to attend the conference and act as a translator between you and the parents? If so, have them bring the student. This also benefits the student as it involves them in important matters relating to their own education, teaching responsibility. Hope this helps! Melissa
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Solution #4
I will suggest to make a parents' conference with someone form the school who understands the grading system for FCAT and CELLA. It is important that the person translating knows, because it will show confidence to parents when explain what the teacher needs to communicate. If there is nobody to translate in the conference with parents, then i will suggest to see if any counselor in the school speaks the language and could clarify parents concerns.
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Solution #5
A meeting with parents that includes teacher, ESOL teacher, and the child to explain the state curriculum and what is not being accomplished because of the specific reasons that need to be worked on and helped with.
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