Developing Relationships With Immigrant Families: Learning by Asking the Right Questions

The influence of family-professional partnerships on positive student outcomes is well documented. These relationships are especially important among immigrant families in the U.S., as they may likely be unfamiliar with special education procedures, rights, and responsibilities afforded under federal disability policy and available strategies and resources to help their children succeed. Unfortunately, immigrant families are often less involved in their children’s education due to several factors, including differing languages, perceptions of teacher and family roles in education, and misunderstandings. Further, many educators are uncertain how to develop relationships with immigrant families. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe strategies to build relationships with immigrant families by asking the right questions.