Meeting, Knowing, and Affirming Immigrant Families Through Successful Culturally Responsive Family Engagement

• In Event: 26.018 - Equity-Focused Family Engagement Strategies and Community–School Partnerships

Abstract

This paper reports findings from a research project completed in the 2012-2013 academic school year in Northern Colorado using the Photovoice method (Gagne, Bowers, Russinova, Bloch, & McNamara, 2010; Guerrero, A., & Tinkler, 2010). The project was a culturally responsive family engagement opportunity created to 1) involve immigrant family members as co-researchers, teachers, and social change agents; 2) a meaningful way to practice English; and 3) support schools to better understand the cultural context of their community to address the culture gap. The themes included: strengths of family, expectations of children in school, family’s experiences in schools, and what educators should know. Findings, tips, and strategies for educational leaders are shared to assist in ameliorating effects of injustice in schools.

Authors

• Maria L. Gabriel, Poudre School District

• Kevin C. Roxas, Western Washington University