Las Siete Historias: Perceptions of Parent Involvement Among Mexican Immigrant Women

Abstract

Abstract This multiple case study examined parent involvement perspectives among seven immigrant mothers from Mexico. All the participants came from limited educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, and reported that they immigrated to the United States for greater opportunity. These background experiences seemed to shape their current role conceptualizations with respect to parent involvement. Parents viewed their roles as providing a better life for their children and facilitating their school success through actions taken at home. Invitations by school staff were important to help these mothers more effectively fulfill their roles through two-way communication. The findings of this study suggest the importance of helping school staff to better understand the ways that immigrant families view parent involvement and to facilitate partnerships in order to enhance student outcomes.