Poster #34 - In Search of an Equity Stance for Family Engagement: What Does It Take to Change?

• In Event: 64.090 - MTCC Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 64.090-6 - Family, School, Community Partnerships SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The renewed focus on family engagement has resulted in schools seeking new strategies to develop meaningful ways to engage the families of their students. Yet these efforts are often school-centered and deficit-based, marginalizing culturally and linguistically diverse families. This study seeks to understand the ways in which a school district approaches the elaboration of a culturally and linguistically diverse family engagement plan that might transform beliefs and practices by moving towards an equity stance of empowerment and solidarity with families. Findings show that targeted, integrated approaches have the potential to increase the commitment to family engagement and enhance districts’ work with culturally and linguistically diverse families, yet the ability to do so is contingent on the participation of all stakeholders.

Authors

• David Nieto, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Molly Hamm-Rodríguez, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Astrid Nicholl Sambolin Morales, University of Colorado - Boulder