Latino Parents Matter: Engaging Latino Parents of English Language Learners in Bilingual/ESL Education Programs

• In Event: Using Family-School-Community Partnerships to Enhance Early Literacy and Biliteracy

Abstract

Home-school relationships are critical for student academic success and are promoted in parent involvement nation-wide policies, where special attention is placed on culturally and linguistically diverse populations such as Latino parents and English Language Learners. The following explanatory mixed methods study identified the challenges and opportunities in home-school relations with Latino parents. For this research, Delgado Bernal’s Latino Critical Race Theory was used since it acknowledges educational structures, processes, and discourses with a potential to oppress, marginalize or empower Latinos. The results indicated that the orientations and perceptions of school personnel influenced the quality of Latino parental involvement and in fostering home-school relations. It also reflected practices that empower Latino parents in their child’s education.

Author

• Vanessa Espitia Mendoza, The University of Texas - El Paso