Parents just don't understand
Capstone Project (B.A.) Liberal Studies Department
Abstract
This project explores what resources and support systems are necessary to assist parents of first and second-generation Mexican-American students in helping their children succeed academically. Research demonstrates that it is important for parents to form better partnerships with school administration, learn about various available academic resources, and employ various means of assisting their children during the learning process. The researcher collected data at an elementary school through interviews; this data revealed that parents of first and second generation Mexican-American students needed to become greater advocates for their children’s education, schools needed more fluent bilingual teachers, parents and students needed to create stronger partnerships, and that parents needed to be more actively involved at their children’s schools. The researcher created an informational brochure for parents that focused on improving the education of Spanish-speaking students and working with the parents of such students.