Reaching Out to Latino Families of English Language Learners provides teachers with a wealth of tools and strategies for communicating with the parents of Latino English language learners and learning more about their communities.

Tackling mainstream views, leading researchers and teacher trainers examine language attitudes and socialization practices that help determine what and how Latino children speak, read, and write. The text suggests universal practices to facilitate language socialization in multilingual communities, including applications for teachers. Contributors: Robert Bayley, Fazila Bhimji, Elías Domínguez Barajas, Lucila D. Ek, Marcia Farr, Norma González, Magaly Lavadenz, Carmen I. Mercado, Ana María Relaño Pastor, Ana Roca, M. Victoria Rodríguez, Sandra R. Schecter “Who could doubt the importance of this book? No other volume so thoroughly lays out essential issues on oral and written language acquisition, use, and change among Latino families.” —Shirley Brice Heath, Professor at Large, Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University “A must–read for researchers and practitioners who focus on language and literacy in general, as well as for those who specialize in the education of young Latinos.” —Guadalupe Valdés, Stanford University

Drawing on both extensive demographic data and compelling case studies, this book reveals the depths of the educational crisis looming for Latino students, the nation's largest and most rapidly growing minority group.

School systems in the United States are not serving Latino students well, especially those from low-income families. This book examines difficulties encountered by Mexican-origin students--one of the fastest growing minority groups--and describes why some schools fall short and how others have improved student outcomes. The focus throughout the book is on positive changes that school staff, families, community, and students can make. Each chapter uses a different lens--culture, language, gender, family and community, and social and political context--to examine issues and challenges affecting first- and second-generation Mexican American children. Chapters are: (1) The Mexican American Student Population: Growth and Diversity (demography, immigration, academic achievement, innovative programs); (2) Cultural Perspectives on Learning (cultural influences on classroom organization and achievement, child rearing, parent education programs); (3) Language, Literacy, and Creating Bridges to Success (the bilingual education controversy, learning English, maintaining Spanish, special needs of migrant students); (4) Gender Issues in Mexican American Schooling (sex role attitudes, teen pregnancy, school factors, peers); (5) Creating Family-School Partnerships (family poverty, parent-school relationship, parent involvement, community outreach, successful programs); and (6) Political, Social, and Pedagogical Issues Impacting Early Childhood Education and Public Schools (immigration and education policy, politics of early childhood education, teacher training, intergroup relations). Chapter 7 describes organizations and programs that provide resources and services. Contains over 300 references, chapter notes, and an index. (SV)

Take a ride in a long submarine or fly away in a hot air balloon. Whatever you do, just be sure to bring your favorite book! Rafael López's colorful illustrations perfectly complement Pat Mora's lilting text in this delightful celebration of El día de los niños/El día de los libros; Children's Day/Book Day. Toon! Toon! Includes a letter from the author and suggestions for celebrating El día de los niños/El día de los libros; Children's Day/Book Day. Pasea por el mar en un largo submarino o viaja lejos en un globo aerostático. No importa lo que hagas, ¡no olvides traer tu libro preferido! Las coloridas ilustraciones de Rafael López complementan perfectamente el texto rítmico de Pat Mora en esta encantadora celebración de El día de los niños/El día de los libros. ¡Tun! ¡Tun! Incluye una carta de la autora y sugerencias para celebrar El día de los niños/El día de los libros. The author will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to literacy initiatives related to Children's Day/Book Day. La autora donará una porción de las ganancias de este libro a programas para fomentar la alfabetización relacionados con El día de los niños/El día de los libros.

Latino/a students are in a unique position in today's society; teachers and administrators are in an influential position in educating them. Community, parents, and educators alike are poised to enable these students to gain the education they need for success. Chapters by recognized authors and successful practitioners explain theory with actual applicable examples, demonstrating where and how education is successfully working for Latino students.

"1. From "Americanization" to "Latinization" 2. "I Just Fell into It": Pathways into the Teaching Profession 3. Cultural Guardians: The Professional Missions of Latina Teachers 4. Co-ethnic Cultural Guardianship: Space, Race and Region 5. Bicultural Myths, Rifts and Shifts 6. Standardized Tests and Workplace Tensions."