Personalmente: Home–School Communication Practices with (Im)Migrant Families in North Florida

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a qualitative study that investigated home–school communication practices from two school districts in north Florida. Specifically, this study focuses on communication between education professionals and Spanish-speaking parents who were immigrant and migrant farmworkers. In this paper we use the term (im)migrant when referring to families that are both migrant and immigrant to represent the unique characteristics of the group. While prior research has examined communication practices for culturally and linguistically diverse populations, scant research has explored the context with (im)migrant families. Through field notes, home observations, and semistructured interviews, data were collected from parents, school personnel (including teachers, aides, and ESOL district coordinators), and staff from the area Migrant Education Program (MEP). Findings reveal two major themes: differing ideologies of communication, and confounding roles and responsibilities among study participants regarding communication processes and practices. The study found that families that are (im)migrant have unique needs that require nontraditional outreach efforts and communication practices. We discuss implications for education professionals working with this population.