Relationships de Confianza: Trust and Distrust in Latinx Family-School Relationships

• In Event: Centering the Experiences and Needs of BIPOC+ Students in K–12 Teaching

Abstract

This qualitative study examines issues of trust and distrust in relationships between Latinx families from immigrant backgrounds and a school district, especially during the shift to remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including parents, district leaders, educators, and community organization leaders, through focus groups and interviews to better understand the factors that foster or hinder trusting family-school partnerships, as well as the impacts and responses to children’s education during the COVID-19 crisis. Findings include the differing perspectives of current district initiatives toward family-school partnerships, parents’ accounts of factors that contribute to their feelings of trust and distrust, and teachers’ realizations of missed opportunities to strengthen family partnerships.

Authors

• Adriana Alvarez, University of Colorado - Denver

• Emily Gleason, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Leah Pena Teeters, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Michelle Shedro, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Katherine Schultz, University of Colorado Boulder

• Elena Aranda, University of Colorado - Boulder