A Multiple Case Study of Family, School, and Community Partnerships in Eight Schools

• In Event: 47.095 - MTCC Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 47.095-2 - Expanding Scholarly Discourses on Family Engagement

Abstract

This case study of eight Hawaiʻi schools examined family, school and community partnerships to identify effective strategies and highlight unique contexts. Data included interviews of stakeholders, and demographic data such as school sizes and socioeconomic status. Data were analyzed using grounded theory and descriptive methods. We categorized themes according to Dearing, Sibley and Nguyen’s (2011) dynamic system model of family engagement, and used Cooper’s (2011) Bridging Multiple Worlds theory as a theoretical lens. Findings included school practices that led to trust among partners, and barriers to engagement including those arising from the environment, school organization, and obstructions to positive relationships among stakeholders. Results highlight commonalities in effective practices as well as unique circumstances that require adjustments to strategies.

Authors

• Katherine T. Ratliffe, University of Hawaii

• Jacquelyn J Chappel, Kapiolani Community College

• Victoria Timmerman, University of Hawaii - Manoa