Partnerships for Family Support: Strengthening Family Resources for Student Success

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Eight
  In Roundtable Session: Equity-Centered Considerations When Partnering With Diverse Communities (Table 18)

Abstract

This study highlights the work of an educational program supporting Micronesian families in navigating the US school system in Hawaii. We collected surveys and narratives from participating mothers, fathers and grandparents of Marshallese and Chuukese students and reflect on families’ learning of strategies to support their children academically and developmentally.
Findings from this research reveal that families gained knowledge about the education system and grew in their confidence and skill of supporting their children with learning at home. Participants experienced a form of camaraderie with their fellow participants and were able to leverage funds of knowledge. The program’s goal of increased school attendance demonstrated promising results, further research in this area is proposed.

Authors

• Nicole Schlaack, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
  Presenting Author

• Steven B. Sheldon, Johns Hopkins University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Chuan Chang Chinn, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
  Non-Presenting Author