Parents might be reluctant to support bilingual education because they feel that their own language will be taken over by another. Show parents that bilingual education does not prioritize one language over another, but helps students learn two languages at the same time. Explain to minority-speaking parents that bilingual education helps their children develop a sense of pride in their native language, while helping them learn English skills that are necessary in American society. Explain to English-speaking parents that learning a second language does not take place at the expense of other instruction in school.
Even if parents are ideologically opposed to bilingual education, its economic benefits are hard to argue with. Explain to minority-language parents that knowledge of English is necessary for the majority of jobs in the United States. Children who don't learn English properly will be at a distinct disadvantage. Let parents of native English speakers know that bilingualism is a highly valued skill for many employers. Having working knowledge of a second language can open up many job opportunities, especially in any domain that engages in global trade.
Although the health benefits of bilingual education will no doubt be debated for some time, there are studies out there that suggest that there are clear advantages to knowing more than one language. A 2010 study showed that bilingual Alzheimer's patients are diagnosed with the disease later in life and take longer to show symptoms. Bilingualism has also been shown to increase brainpower and to help students develop reading skills earlier.
While explaining all the benefits of bilingual education can help parents understand it, there is nothing like practical experience for showing how it actually works. Invite parents into the classroom for a day of bilingual education. Have students show their parents what they have learned, and have them help their parents to sound out words in a language they might not know. Arrange a presentation for students to demonstrate the bilingual skills they have acquired at school.