Delving into the often unexplored areas of class, race, and power struggles, The Power of Parents poses a unique and original critical examination of the relationship between bicultural parents and the school system. Written with students and practitioners in mind, it challenges past research that has traditionally argued bicultural parents are incompetent, apathetic, and do not value education, hence the cause of their children's academic underachievement. This book sheds new light on why bicultural parents often mistrust the school system and uncovers the contradictions inherent in the relationship between them and school personnel.

Olivos (teacher education, California State U., Dominguez Hills) considers the relationship between bicultural parents and the public school system, the lack of participation of bicultural parents, and how collaboration will occur, but not without some conflict. His main aim is to challenge ideas about parental involvement and offer a conceptual framework. He explains how elements of society create problems with bicultural parental involvement to create a subordinate atmosphere; the impact of racism and deficit thinking; the importance of culture, knowledge, and power; and parental resistance. He then presents a transformative way of looking at the problem.
Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Olivos (teacher education, California State U., Dominguez Hills) considers the relationship between bicultural parents and the public school system, the lack of participation of bicultural parents, and how collaboration will occur, but not without some conflict. His main aim is to challenge ideas about parental involvement and offer a conceptual framework. He explains how elements of society create problems with bicultural parental involvement to create a subordinate atmosphere; the impact of racism and deficit thinking; the importance of culture, knowledge, and power; and parental resistance. He then presents a transformative way of looking at the problem. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)