Families in the Driver's Seat: Emerging Principles for Equitable Collaboration

• In Event: Parent Self-Efficacy, Advocacy, and Home-School Relations

Abstract

Strong family-school relations are critical to student success. However, traditional approaches to parent involvement are often deficit-based and cater to the school’s agenda. This study approached nondominant parents as powerful actors with the capacity to influence school decisions. Using the lens of equitable collaboration, we conducted a community-based design research study to examine a collaborative process of creating a parent education curriculum. Results suggest three emerging design principles: prioritizing family goals, positioning parents as experts, and balancing power. These principles have important implications for creating more equitable collaboration between families, educators, and school leaders.

Authors

• Ann M. Ishimaru, University of Washington

• Joe L. Lott, University of Washington

• Kathryn Elizabeth Torres, University of Washington

• Aditi Rajendran, University of Washington - Seattle

• Dawn M Williams, University of Washington

• Karen OReilly-Diaz, University of Washington - Seattle