Resource Library Resource Library
Advocacy Advocacy
Advocacy is the act of speaking out on behalf of another person or group that hasn’t yet develop their own voice. Â
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. Â
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.Â

Printables Printables
Books Books

Advocating for English Learners Advocating for English Learners
This book demystifies the techniques of advocacy for ELs, including ashared sense of responsibility for EL success, an overview for administrators with influencing policy and fostering a culture that meets EL needs, and advocacy for ELs’ success beyond Grade 12 —Equipping ELs for life after graduation.
Self-Paced Learning Self-Paced Learning
Webinars Webinars
How Teachers Can Advocate for English Learners (ELs) How Teachers Can Advocate for English Learners (ELs)
Explore common challenges faced by educators when advocating for ELs. Gain practical tools for EL advocacy that you can implement into your schools and districts immediately.
- Defining EL advocacy
- Isolating your EL advocacy issue
- Highlighting 3 key EL advocacy issues
- Advocating for ELs using steps and tools designed for each issue
- Applying your EL advocacy skills
- Presenter: Diane Staehr Fenner