UCLA

The purpose of this qualitative action research project was to work with Latino parents of recent high school graduates to develop a series of workshops to be presented to Latino parents of elementary school children. Latino parents of elementary students benefited from culturally sensitive materials, explanations, support, and examples from recent experiences given by those Latino parents of recent graduates. The connection that participants had with parents who have gone through the process had a positive impact on the learning process. They were able to work with the parents of younger children to demystify the college application process and help parents to feel that it is all within reach.

This model can serve as a guide to school leaders in search of innovative ways to involve parents at all levels. Parents are a crucial part of the education of their children. Teaching Latino parents to advocate and ask questions was a critical part of this model. Parent facilitators felt that they had equipped the parent learners with the desire to learn more and the confidence to ask the right questions. They learned to be advocates of the education of their children.