Factors that Contribute to the Engagement of Latino Immigrant Parents through Student-led Conferences
by Fuller, Christine, Ed.D., NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY, 2010, 196 pages; 3436604

Abstract:

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore factors that may contribute to the engagement of parents in their children's learning through student-led conferences. The study focused on the engagement of Latino immigrant parents. Research indicates that parental involvement positively affects student achievement, however, at times educators have not considered the minority and ethnic family cultural context when implementing parental participation policies. Educators need to find effective ways to increase Latino immigrant parent involvement that include diverse parenting activities in the home. Whereas, the aforementioned research on parent involvement in student learning indicated parent involvement had a direct affect on student achievement, the research concentrated mainly on what parents were expected to be engaged in, without a consideration for how parents created their involvement opportunities. This qualitative study used a multiple case study design that incorporated maximum variation, a participant selection method that allowed for the identification and selection of the widest possible range of participant characteristics. Latino immigrant family participants who attended student-led conferences were observed and then interviewed in order to explore their student participation experiences. Data analysis consisted of two stages; a within case and then a cross-case stage. The cross-case analysis identified four themes: parental awareness of the schools academic standards, educational level of parents, supportive parenting role, and parental utilization of resources. The parents supported the student-led conference format, although their interaction was affected by their awareness of the school's academic standards, their own academic skills, and their English language skills. Parents who were more knowledgeable and had exhibited more skills in these areas were able to utilize more resources when participating in their students' learning. The parents focused on parenting skills and a supportive parenting role. Recommendations include the development and implementation of parent participation policies for student-led conferences and utilization of the student-led conference format to enhance the parents' parenting and supportive skills. Additional research is needed on student-led conferences; specifically, on Latino immigrant parents' role in these conferences, the effects of their low educational skills on parent-student educational discussions, and the types of programs that will support these parents.

 
AdviserLaurie Bedord
SchoolNORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 72-01, p. , Dec 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsEnglish as a second language; Educational leadership; Elementary education; Hispanic American studies
Publication Number3436604
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