Unseen Journeying: Latinx Mothers’ Experience and Navigation of Pre-Referral Home-School Collaboration

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Promoting family-school engagement

Abstract

Research has documented various home-school collaboration obstacles faced by Latinx mothers whose children are receiving special education services (e.g., Mortier et al., 2021). However, minimal attention has been given to the experiences of Latinx mothers of students in the pre-referral stage, or the time when students are facing significant academic difficulties but have not yet been referred to special education evaluation (Chen & Gregory, 2010). Using plática methodology (Fierros & Delgado Bernal, 2016), this study investigates how Latinx mothers have experienced and navigated pre-referral home-school collaboration. Findings highlight a diversity of experiences, the impact of in/accurate information, and the emotional engagement of the mothers. Recommendations for educators, researchers, policymakers, and community members are offered.

Author

• Yone Rodriguez, Claremont Graduate University