Culturally Linguistically Diverse Families' Engagement Through Special Education: A Qualitative Synthesis

• In Event: Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families

Abstract

Drawing from the research literature on culturally and linguistically diverse family engagement in special education, ecological/cultural (ecocultural) theory, and culturally sustaining pedagogy, this synthesis argues that efforts being made to increase parent participation in schools and Federal mandates, although intended to safeguard rights, in actuality, are still serving the same function of positioning families and students into a mold to preserve White middle-class culture. Reports from culturally and linguistically diverse families will be synthesized and organized based on emerging themes in order to offer a comprehensive description of factors that have an overall impact on home-school partnerships.

Author

• Alexandrea Peña, The University of Texas at Austin