Four Bridges: A Typology of Cultural Brokering With Multilingual Families and Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Diverse Cultures Through Advocacy and Empowerment (Table 6)

Abstract

Ishimaru et al. (2016) explains that “cultural brokers can play a critical role in bridging the racial, cultural, linguistic and power divides between schools and nondominant parents and families” (p. 852). While cultural brokers can help to establish relationships between multilingual families, schools, and community, we need to better understand the types of “bridges” that cultural brokers create in their efforts to facilitate equitable school environments. Data analysis from this case study of two schools revealed four types of bridges: (1) families to school; (2) school to families; (3) families to community; and (4) across families from different backgrounds.

Authors

• Kristine Lewis Grant, Drexel University

• Vera J. Lee, Drexel University

• Barbara Hoekje, Drexel University