Multiculturalism training helps prepare teachers to work with students from different cultural backgrounds. Multicultural education includes cultural:
- history
- values
- beliefs
- texts
- perspectives 

Lack of Multiculturalism Training for Teachers

English only language acquisition efforts are not effective. Teachers and administrators need to understand the factors contributing to second language acquisition.



Limits in Teachers' Language Acquisition Approaches 

- Districts need to prioritize developing effective ELL instructional strategies that can be implemented in the classroom. 
- Teachers should collaborate across their district to determine best practices and update strategies. 

Lack of Effective ELL Instructional Strategies

Teachers lack preparation in three areas:
 - multiculturalism
 - language acquisition
 - ELL instructional strategies

San Jose State University

Parents and Teachers of ELL students identified 5 main barriers:
- communication gaps
- lack of teacher preparation
- lack of transitional support
- lack of effective district ELL plan
- culture clashes

Barriers to Academic Achievement for ELL Hispanic Students

Good, M. E., Masewicz, S., & Vogel, L. (2010). Latino English Language Learners: Bridging Achievement and Cultural Gaps Between Schools and Families. Journal of Latinos and Education, 9(4), 321–339. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2010.491048

 Latino English Language Learners: Bridging Achievement and Cultural Gaps Between Schools and Families

The following communication barriers were consistently identified as the primary barrier for ELL student academic achievement. 
- lack of effective communication between student and teacher
- lack of effective communication between teacher and parent
- lack of effective communication between parent an student
- lack of effective communication between schools in the district


Communication Gap Barrier for ELL Students

Lack of Teacher Preparation Barrier for ELL Students

There were differences in the way parents expected teachers to engage with their students and with them based on previous experience with their schools from home. 

Culture Clash Barrier for ELL Students

The district needs to work with the schools to develop an effective and comprehensive plan for addressing the needs of ELL students

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