Strength Behind the Sociolinguistic Wall: The Dreams, Commitments, and Capacities of Mexican Mothers

摘要

Deficit views of Mexican parents are pervasive and hinder both parents and school staff from effectively supporting student achievement. Analysis of the qualitative results from a larger study of school-based adult ESL classes yielded findings about the motivations and capacities of Mexican mothers that critique these deficit views and illuminate ways to support meaningful parent-school collaboration. These findings revealed that all of the participating Mexican mothers (N = 87) were highly motivated to support their children's school success and brought numerous skills to this task. Final analysis also showed that the mothers who received meaningful support of their goals actively engaged with their children's education and took steps to collaborate with teachers and principals, in contrast to mothers who did not receive an intentional and informed form of support.