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Barriers, resources, frustration & empathy: Teachers’ expectations for family involvement for Latino/a ELL students in urban STEM classrooms
Urban Education (2017)
  • Beth A Wassell, Rowan University
  • M. Fernández Hawrylak
  • K. Scantlebury
Abstract
The importance of family involvement in education is well documented, yet no studies have explored teachers’ conceptualization of family involvement for urban English Language Learner (ELL) students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms. We used an ethnographic approach to investigate middle school STEM educators’ perspectives on family involvement for Spanish-speaking ELL students. The analysis revealed that the participants recognized barriers to involvement for families of ELL students, yet maintained that families should communicate more and help with homework. One participant’s practices and expectations served as a contradiction to these patterns. Implications and recommendations for P-12 school policy and teacher education are emphasized.
Keywords
  • Parental involvement,
  • ELL,
  • Hispanic students,
  • urban education,
  • teacher education
Publication Date
2017
DOI
10.1177/0042085915602539
Citation Information
Beth A Wassell, M. Fernández Hawrylak and K. Scantlebury. "Barriers, resources, frustration & empathy: Teachers’ expectations for family involvement for Latino/a ELL students in urban STEM classrooms" Urban Education Vol. 52 Iss. 10 (2017) p. 1233 - 1254
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/beth-wassell/8/