By allowing students to speak and write in the language of their choice, schools convey a message of acceptance toward speakers of other languages. The self-esteem and motivation of LEP students is also likely to be enhanced by their inclusion as integral members of the school community. Schools provide social services to students and their families. Many of the schools studied in this project are located in low-income neighborhoods, and at most schools a majority of the students come from poor families. By providing social services to the families of their students, schools relieve parents of some of the stresses of poverty, allowing them to participate more fully in their children's education.
Schools provide some services themselves, and arranged for other services by community agencies.
At Del Norte Elementary School in El Paso, Texas, the school counselor is also available to counsel families of students. A home liaison teaches parents about nutrition and meal planning, banking and budgeting. Hollibrook Elementary School in Houston employs two social workers who communicate regularly with the managers of the apartment buildings where many of the students' families live. The social workers also confer with city agencies and police, make referrals to outside agencies for counseling and health services, and help families obtain needed services. Because the community lacks recreation facilities, the school is building a park in cooperation with the city and business leaders.