Parent University in alternative schools: Asset–based programming for parents of formerly–incarcerated youth

Abstract

Familial engagement is a cornerstone in comprehensive alternative education; however, implementing high-quality parental outreach is difficult. Traditional approaches to parent outreach view diverse families from a deficit perspective and seek to change their behaviors, instead of building on their funds of knowledge. This article presents a case study about Parent University, a program designed with an additive lens to inform parents of formerly incarcerated youth about the college-going process. Findings showcase the framework of the program and analyze the experiences of participants. Approaching families through an additive perspective is key in developing mutually beneficial relationships amongst stakeholders. This study demonstrates how familial outreach initiatives can begin to include space for parents’ voices and draw from this to create more responsive curriculum and learning experiences.

Keywords:

• Alternative education
• family outreach
• formerly incarcerated youth

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jen Stacy

Jen Stacy is an assistant professor at California State University–Dominguez Hills, where she teaches pre-service teachers in the Liberal Studies Department. Her research focuses on family-school relations, with attention to the experiences of ethnically and linguistically diverse families.

Linda Gutierrez

Linda Gutierrez is an undergraduate student in the Liberal Studies Department at California State University–Dominguez Hills studying to become an elementary school teacher.

Danita McMillian

Danita McMillian is an undergraduate student in the Liberal Studies Department at California State University–Dominguez Hills studying to become an elementary school teacher.