Developing Family-School Partnerships in the Midst of Demographic Change: An Examination of Educators' Attitudes, Values, and Beliefs and the Discourses They Shape

This study examined educators' attitudes, values, and beliefs about families and the development of family-school partnerships in demographically changing school and community contexts. Survey data were collected from 188 educators in nine school districts. In-depth interviews were conducted with four teachers, four leaders, and one parent liaison. Analysis revealed five themes: value of families; parent involvement and value of education; challenges families experience; onus for change; and, equity and power. Themes were pervasive across the data; however, how educators discussed the themes crafted two markedly different discourses (i.e., deficit and culturally responsive) about families. Leadership implications are discussed.