Advocacy Advocacy

MLs and their families are a group that is in the process of developing their voice in education. Therefore, ML advocates need to have a deep understanding of each ML and their backgrounds and needs in order to appropriately advocate on their behalf. Advocating on behalf of MLs can ensure MLs receive an equitable and excellent education.  

SupportEd takes a scaffolded approach to advocacy for MLs with the goal of MLs and their families to be able to advocate for themselves. However, we need to support them along the way by advocating for a shared sense of responsibility for ML success, policies that promote culturally responsive practices and MLs’ success during school and for life after graduation. Ultimately, MLs and their families should be able to advocate for themselves so that MLs are able to successfully engage in schools and so their families feel like valued partners, just like their English fluent peers. For a more detailed understanding of scaffolded advocacy for MLs, check out chapter 1 of Advocating for English Learners: A Guide for Educators.