Title: Engaging Parents in School Reform: A Study of Low-Income, Newly-Arrived Latino Immigrant Parents, School Choice, and Information
Abstract: A study of low-income, newly-arrived, Latino immigrant parents navigating school choice systems shows that while families face additional challenges in learning about and exercising choice, they are very capable of becoming informed consumers. Initially, they draw heavily upon past educational experiences in their native countries, which are largely shaped by their interaction with school figures in a system where they had limited or no school choice but over time, these parents learn about and exercise their choice options. However, due to their limited English proficiency, they rely upon their children to translate and utilize information either obtained from school officials, who serve as their primary source of information, given their weak and small social networks. Although at first these parents have limited information, as their involvement in their children's schools increases, they gather additional information about an expanded set of options to help them make improved choices. Parents value academic quality, school curriculum, location/convenience, but safety and a welcoming school environment are especially important. Similar to other parents, they attempt to match a school to their children's needs, they take into consideration several factors as part of a complex decision-making process, and they report a high level of satisfaction with their choice, which reflect a consideration of both the children's and the family's well-being.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-03-29
Language: en
Type: article
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