Reaching All Families: Family, School, and Community Partnerships Amid Homelessness and High Mobility

• In Event: Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: Using Data to Help Bring More Evidence to Family Engagement Practices

Abstract

While research has shown the benefits of family, school, and community partnerships (FSCPs), schools often struggle to build relationships with all families. This study is guided by Epstein’s (2001) six types of involvement for comprehensive programs of partnerships and draws from 132 interviews with homeless and highly mobile (HHM) parents, school personnel, and community stakeholders. Preliminary results suggest that: a) the diverse residential contexts of HHM families impact parents’ opportunities to promote their children’s educational wellbeing in unique ways; and, b) HHM parents, school personnel, and community stakeholders do not always have congruent interpretations of and experiences with FSCPs. Theoretical implications for scholars as well as recommendations and innovative strategies for schools and communities are discussed.

Author

• Alexandra E. Pavlakis, Southern Methodist University