The Role of Culture in Engaging Latino Parents’ Involvement in School

One of the critical issues for schools is how to actively involve Latino parents in the schooling process. Although Latino parents are often marginalized in schools due to race, class, and cultural differences, many school personnel suspect Latino parents of not caring about their children’s education. This article highlights how a small group of educators working together in a project actively enlisted the participation of Latino parents in schools through a positive and consistent focus on their own cultures. The author suggests that teacher preparation programs explore the power of a culturally relevant approach to working with parents.