Applied Critical Leadership Fostering School-Family-Community Relations: Innovation for Latino Immigrant Parents of Students With Disabilities

• In Event: 66.080 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 66.080-5 - Family Engagement Strategies and School–Community Partnerships That Support Latina/o Students and Families

Abstract

This research study featuring school-family-community relations brings together the interdisciplinary perspectives of Educational Leadership, Critical Studies, and Disabilities Studies to address the equity and justice needs of Latino (e.g., Mexican) immigrant parents of students with disabilities. The research, undertaken largely from a critical race theory perspective, aims to interrogate and challenge status quo leadership practices, biases, and belief systems resulting in systemic prejudice that may inhibit school leaders’ ability to effectively partner with immigrant families and communities in K-12 school contexts. Findings feature parent voices juxtaposed with Applied Critical Leadership (ACL) indicators, which yield innovative strategies and guidelines for educational leaders working to improve social justice and equity for immigrant parents of children with disabilities in similarly diverse contexts.

Authors

• Cristina Corrine Santamaria Graff, Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis

• Andres Peter Santamaria, Auckland University of Technology

• Lorri Michelle Johnson Santamaria, The University of Auckland