Educational Engagement Practices of Urban Immigrant Latina Mothers

Abstract

Although numerous studies have documented the positive association between parental involvement in children's education and a range of academic and motivational outcomes, less work has focused on the Latino immigrant population. Yet, Latino students constitute the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States. This study examines the educational engagement practices of Latina mothers. Employing a qualitative research design, 4 focus groups with the same group of 12 Latina mothers were conducted. Analysis of the data revealed four themes including the motivation of regrets, the importance of Spanish-speaking school administrators, the need to be near, and barriers to progress.