Passing on the Faith: Latino Parental Perspectives on Faith Formation in Catholic Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Trends and Populations With Catholic Education (Table 3)

Abstract

The growing number of charter schools, school takeovers, and vouchers have significantly increased options for school choice (Schneider & Buckley, 2002). Numerous factors influence Latino parents’ decision making about school choice. This qualitative study is based on interviews with 24 Latino parents, from a variety of backgrounds, whose children are enrolled in urban Catholic schools. Faith emerged as a strong influence on Latino parents’ choice of Catholic education for their children. A phenomenological approach was used to understand these parents’ perspectives on faith formation in their children’s Catholic schools. Findings suggest that faith formation was paramount in decision to enroll in Catholic schools. Understanding the role faith formation plays for Latino families is crucial to serving them in Catholic schools.

Authors

• Myra Rosen-Reynoso, Boston College

• Maria A. Moreno Vera, Boston College

• Audrey A. Friedman, Boston College

• Cristina Joan Hunter, Boston College

• Charles T Cownie, Boston College