ABSTRACT
This chapter explains methods for finding out what families of English learners (ELs) and immigrants want from schools. Traditionally, schools administer written surveys, often in digital formats. For many immigrant families, these school surveys have little meaning as they may include questions which require prior knowledge and experience about American schooling, do not ask questions that address their unique needs, or are offered only in English. As a result, feedback may not be representative of the needs and wants of all families. This chapter explains ways to ensure survey questions are culturally relevant and appropriate for all families; to use methods beyond written surveys such as focus groups in families’ native language; and to analyze data from diverse perspectives. Additionally, community groups may be called upon to help promote families’ participation. The chapter includes two activities that may be used by schools to enhance their efforts to find out what families need and want. One activity focuses on exploring a school’s current survey practices and the other activity provides direction on hosting a focus group to obtain feedback from culturally and linguistically diverse families which may otherwise be missed with a traditional written survey.
