ERIC Number: ED481644
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Bringing the Mountain to Mohammed: Parent Involvement in Migrant-Impacted Schools.
Lopez, Gerardo R.
Migrant students have a host of factors working against their chances of success in school. In the search for ways to counter these risk factors, educators have recognized the value of parent involvement. In addition to its effects on student learning and achievement, parent involvement also strengthens school accountability and gives historically marginalized communities a voice in school decision making. Little systematic research has focused specifically on best practices for involving migrant parents, and educators have had to rely on anecdotal evidence about creative approaches to involve this population. An ongoing research project focusing on successful Texas schools has found that effective initiatives in migrant parent involvement are not defined as a set of practices or activities for parents to do, but rather as a form of outreach. The schools in this study perceived themselves as active and proactive agents in reaching out to migrant parents and meeting their needs. Home visits and personal interactions between parents and school personnel made school personnel aware of the very basic survival needs of migrant families, which must be addressed as a first step in helping migrant students succeed. The schools also offered parent education that was an end in itself and improved migrant families' lives. In addition to removing logistical barriers to parents' attendance at school functions, the schools addressed social barriers by creating a more democratic and collaborative environment. (SV)
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A