Home-School Communication in New Immigrant Destination Communities: Perspectives of Parents, Educators, and Adult ESL Instructors

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Advocating for Marginalized Families and Communities

Abstract

This paper takes a deeper look from multiple perspectives at how home-school communication is understood and enacted in new immigrant destination communities. Case study data were collected through an adult ESL program and three school districts located in the same region. Primary data sources include responses from a survey of parents enrolled in adult ESL classes; and semi-structured interviews with parents, district educators and leaders, and adult ESL instructors. Study findings revealed the importance parents enrolled in ESL classes place on home-school communication; identified challenges and supports particular to different modes of communication (oral, written, and electronic); and illuminated the critical role of intermediaries who offer language and cultural interpretation.

Author

• Catherine Dunn Shiffman, Shenandoah University