NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
PDF on ERIC Download full text
ERIC Number: EJ1276851
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-308X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Supporting the Engagement and Participation of Multicultural, Multilingual Immigrant Families in Public Education in the United States: Some Practical Strategies
Housel, David A.
School Community Journal, v30 n2 p185-209 2020
Over the past century in the U.S., stronger parental involvement in children's education has been encouraged and, more recently, codified into state teaching standards. Despite this, fully engaging parents as equal and respected partners has remained elusive. The quest seems particularly perplexing when attempting to enhance participation of immigrant parents who are emergent bi/multilingual learners (EBLs). To foster their enhanced engagement, strong collaborative partnerships among families, schools, and communities are essential. One way of doing so is by first reflecting on any existing institutionalized barriers or internalized biases that could be thwarting fuller participation, then creating school- and community-based activities where school personnel, immigrant families, and other families in the community can come together, work collaboratively, and share resources, capital, and cultural wealth. In addition to sharing resources in mutually beneficial ways, the goal of these collaborations is to promote trust, understanding, and empathy by getting to know one another on a personal level. This essay is grounded in Epstein's theory of overlapping spheres of influence (1995) and the Community Cultural Wealth Model (Yosso, 2006) and proposes a variety of collaborative endeavors--from professional development events for school personnel to intergenerational bilingual classes to community fairs in the schools--to build relationships and engage immigrant parents with the public schools. Modifying the proposed activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact is also addressed.
Academic Development Institute. 121 North Kickapoo Street, Lincoln, IL 62656. Tel: 1-800-759-1495; Web site: http://www.schoolcommunitynetwork.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A