ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the need for families and educators of English learners (ELs) to forge what we call language advocate alliances, that is, a unique type of partnership that is rooted in advocacy and P–12 language education. Using data from our individual research, we discuss two key themes to make the case for language advocate alliances: 1) language education goes beyond classroom walls, and 2) school-based family engagement practices often fall short of supporting language education. By highlighting the voice and experiences of families of ELs, we identify ways educators can partner with families to support and advocate for ELs’ language education.