The Community for Learning Partnership Program: Engaging Schools, Refugee/Migrant Families, and Preservice Teachers in Multiliteracies

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Collaborative Partnerships for Multiliteracies Engagement

Abstract

As many countries experience growing cultural and linguistic diversity, schools often struggle to address the literacy needs of students from refugee/migrant backgrounds during the school day. This issue highlights the need to explore new ways to assist this disadvantaged group of students and school-family-community partnerships can provide opportunities for this. Drawing on an in-progress case study of one school in Australia, this paper explores the possibilities of a literacy-focused initiative – The Community for Learning Partnership Program. The paper details the ways in which this partnership was established and provides valuable insights into the learning experiences of every group involved in the partnership. It also explores the complexities associated with the involvement of refugee/migrant families in literacy initiatives.

Authors

• Katrina Tour, Monash University

• Melissa Barnes, Monash University