Katherine Barko-Alva

Starting from the premise that children learn better when their learning community respects their families and cultures, this thought-provoking resource shows what it means-and what it takes-to include today's diverse parents in their children's learning. Moving readers away from out-of-date practices that can potentially marginalize and devalue the cultural assets of families, the authors provide practical, ready-to-use strategies to help schools re-envision the meaning of parental involvement and engagement. Based on the research and K-12 teaching experience of three educators, chapters address contemporary issues such as the absent parent, homework, vulnerable populations, limitations of current school-based family programs, and pedagogies of hope. Book Features:Explores the multiple meanings of parental involvement and engagement. Examines the limitations of current approaches to parental engagement, particularly for language-minority parents. Reframes the conversation surrounding parental engagement to emphasize community and parental empowerment. Addresses the importance of parental engagement amid today's political discourse surrounding immigration. Includes vignettes, discussion questions, visuals, and engagement activities.

Starting from the premise that children learn better when their learning community respects their families and cultures, this thought-provoking resource shows what it means-and what it takes-to include today's diverse parents in their children's learning. Moving readers away from out-of-date practices that can potentially marginalize and devalue the cultural assets of families, the authors provide practical, ready-to-use strategies to help schools re-envision the meaning of parental involvement and engagement. Based on the research and K-12 teaching experience of three educators, chapters address contemporary issues such as the absent parent, homework, vulnerable populations, limitations of current school-based family programs, and pedagogies of hope. Book Features:Explores the multiple meanings of parental involvement and engagement. Examines the limitations of current approaches to parental engagement, particularly for language-minority parents. Reframes the conversation surrounding parental engagement to emphasize community and parental empowerment. Addresses the importance of parental engagement amid today's political discourse surrounding immigration. Includes vignettes, discussion questions, visuals, and engagement activities.