Speaking Their Language  Successfully reaching out to immigrant
parents just requires a few simple steps  By Betsy Lindeman
Imagine an elementary school where more than 300 limited-English
proficient students speak 18 different languages. Now, imagine
kids eager to translate invitations for parents to come to
school on a special evening that brings them together with the
teachers. On these nights, teachers model activities that
nonnative parents can use to help their children build important
skills, and bilingual support staff speak to parents in their
own language, giving them tips on how to get more involved in
their children's learning. This is "Family Night School" at
Randolph Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia, where teacher
communication with immigrant parents is strong and grows
stronger each year.  As each new school year brings more
children with immigrant parents to schools around the country,
it is becoming essential for teachers to find effective ways to
reach out to those parents. And it m