Date of Award

2008

Degree Type

Major Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Immigration and Settlement Studies

First Advisor

Judith Bernhard

Second Advisor

Gloria Roberts-Fiati

Abstract

The Spanish-speaking community has recently been getting much attention in Canada due to the prevalent low academic achievement of children of Latin American immigrants. The focus of this study is on empowering Latin American parents to become active participants in their children's education and take control of their children's educational path. This study documents a Spanish-speaking parent group that combined the "empowerment" approach to family literacy, drawing from elements of the Early Authors Program and the creation of a support network, which was named "Parenting Circles". The study found that the "Parenting Circles Program" is a useful tool in helping Spanish-speaking parents maintain their home language, and in promoting overall engagement in their children's academic development.