The Visibility and Advocacy of Historically Marginalized Parents in U.S. Public Schools

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Recent studies have documented efforts of non-dominant, parent-led groups to determine the direction of education reform. Joining this critical scholarship, this session examines how historically marginalized parents navigate the US public school system to advocate for their children. We highlight the issues of concern that have led to parent-led reform in public schools, and discuss ways that educators can reshape school policies and activities away from top-down approaches toward collaboration in decision-making.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Family, School, Community Partnerships

Chair

• Kysa Nygreen, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Papers

• "¡No Tengo Papeles!" (I Don't Have Papers!): Family Advocacy in the New Latino Diaspora - Meredith McConnochie, University of Saint Joseph

• Out, Proud, but Silenced: Critical Idealism in School-to-Home Relationships for Gay Fathers - Andrew Leland, Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway

• "Bridging the Gaps": Black Parent Advocacy for Student Academic Success - Linn E. Posey-Maddox, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Discussant

• Soo Hong, Wellesley College