1. Collaborating with Diverse Families and Learners
Chapter Sixteen
Collaborating with Diverse Families and Learners
© 2016 Taylor & Francis

2. In This Chapter You Should:
Identify diversity in its various forms and the impact on the family and learner
Cite barriers to working with diverse families and learners
Identify strategies for collaborating with diverse families and learners
Understand how professionals need to change
Provide ways to promote diversity through collaboration among various stakeholders
© 2016 Taylor & Francis

3. Identifying Diversity and the Impacts on the Family and Learner
Families are more dynamic and diverse than ever before
Three important facets to remember when working with a diverse population
1. No culture is inherently better than another
2. Behaviors are always on a spectrum
They should not be “assigned” to a person due to their culture
Each individual may or may not fit cultural norms
© 2016 Taylor & Francis

4. Barriers to Working with Diverse Families
Work challenges
Emotional challenges
Language challenges
Parent access challenges
Cultural dissonance challenges
Self-imposed challenges
© 2016 Taylor & Francis

5. Strategies for Collaborating with Diverse Families
Attentiveness for structural changes
Different communication styles
“No surprises”
Regular and positive communication
Focus on strengths rather than weaknesses
© 2016 Taylor & Francis

6. Strategies for Collaborating with Diverse Families
There a four steps to follow when planning to meet with diverse families:
Take initiative to meet and get to know the families
Continue to build that foundation
Consistently make sure to maintain and support family relationships
Take time to assess, reflect, and grow
© 2016 Taylor & Francis

7. Professional Change Assumptions can be made before they should be
Professionals must identify and address biases
Maintain open communication with families
Build parent associations or advisory councils
Be varied and creative with parent involvement
Share responsibilities for success and failures
© 2016 Taylor & Francis