Cultivating Engagement: A National Study Examining Hispanic Parental Engagement in Catholic Schools

• In Event: Centering Diversity in Catholic Education

Abstract

This study critically examines how Hispanic parents contribute to the life and mission of Catholic schools in the United States, aiming to identify obstacles, strengths, challenges, and opportunities in patterns of Hispanic parent engagement. Employing a convergent-parallel mixed-methods design, this paper shares preliminary findings from a nationally representative survey of Hispanic and non-Hispanic parents and qualitative data from focus groups with parents and school staff. Preliminary findings suggest that while Hispanic parents report equal or greater desire for and actual involvement in traditional parent engagement behaviors, they more frequently encounter language barriers and unwelcoming school environments. These findings underscore the need for schools to center the lived experiences of Hispanic families, challenge deficit-based mindsets, and foster more inclusive cultures.

Authors

• John Reyes, Boston College

• Melodie M. Wyttenbach, Boston College

• Hosffman Ospino, Boston College

• Victoria Berges, Boston College