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Parent-teacher communication is a key element of parent-teacher relationship and of family involvement. Such communication influences children's wellbeing and academic success. There are many gaps in the literature regarding the dynamics of parent-teacher communication and how this influences family and school literacy practices. Using a qualitative design, this case study focused on the communication of a family from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and the children's teachers. The study examined the conceptions of communication and perspectives on parent-teacher communication of a mother and three teachers. The study also examined the diverse ways they communicated literacy practices and expectations to one another and the outcomes derived from their communication. Findings of this study revealed that parent-teacher communication is a complex process influenced by multiple factors related to the microsystems of school and home and the varied ways they interact. The study found a disconnection between parent and teacher communication conceptions and approaches.

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In recent years, the number of linguistically diverse students (LDS) in the U.S. public school system has significantly increased (Araujo, 2009). Public school enrollment is projected to grow to 54 million in the year 2018 (Planty et al., 2009). Currently, one in every four students in the public school system is a LDS (NCELA, 2007). Evidence points to a wide gap between native English speakers and LDS on achievement tests (Albus, Thurlow, & Liu, 2002). Research on school counselor involvement in school, family, and community (SFC) partnerships is insufficient; few studies have examined school counselor involvement in SFC partnerships with linguistically diverse families (LDF). Using unexamined variables, this study extends the findings of Bryan and Griffin (2010) and Aydin, Bryan, and Duys (2011) by examining how school and school counselor-related variables impact involvement in SFC partnerships with LDF. Variables include bilingual status, caseload, percentage of LDS, free and reduced price lunch (FRPL) status, and specific instruction received in SFC partnerships working with LDF. This national study surveyed 916 school counselors using quantitative research designs as measured by The School Counselor Involvement in Partnerships Survey (SCIPS) instrument. Using linear regression models, t-tests, ANOVAs, correlations, and a multiple regression model, this study examines the complex interplay of school and school counselor-related factors that influence involvement. Whenever school counselors used translators, they were more involved in SFC partnerships with LDF. While general partnership-related training affected involvement, specialized training in SFC partnerships with LDF predicts stronger involvement, accentuating the importance of integrating specialized curricular training. School and school counselor-related factors were associated with involvement in SFC partnerships with LDF; the relationship varied by the type of involvement (i.e., school-family partnerships, school-community collaboration, and inter-professional collaboration). Contrary to Bryan and Griffin's (2010) study, inter-professional collaboration was related to a number of school counselor-related factors. School counselors reported inadequate training, when working with LDF, yet they understood the importance of involvement on an inter-professional level to meet the wide-ranging needs of LDF. Race and ethnicity was related to involvement in SFC partnerships. School counselors who were non-White had statistically significant higher involvement scores. Knowing that race and ethnicity, and bilingual status were negatively correlated, White school counselors may experience limitations to building SFC partnerships. There was a significant correlation between percentage of LDS served and FRPL status, caseload, bilingual status, and race and ethnicity. Whenever school counselors had higher percentages of LDS, they inclined to have a higher number of students as part of their caseload, speak another language, come from diverse backgrounds and have higher number of students on FRPL status. These issues illuminate the complex interplay of challenges facing LDS, such as limited resources, limited number of bilingual school staff and a need for bilingual education. This study highlights the multitude of factors that determine the degree of school counselor involvement by examining caseloads, specific training on LDS and LDF, the use of translators, and bilingual ability.

The cultural and linguistic diversity of the United States is growing rapidly and early intervention service providers are very likely to work with families whose cultures differ from their own. Service providers must consider the multiple cultural factors of families which contribute to family dynamics and the potential for miscommunication is high when the cultural frameworks of early intervention providers differ from those of the families they serve. Culturally responsive practices have been put forth in the theoretical literature as a way to increase successful communication and service provision but there is limited research investigating the beliefs, experiences, and practices of early intervention providers regarding cultural responsiveness and the efficacy of specific practices. This study utilized an exploratory case study methodology with multiple case analyses to investigate the expressed beliefs and practices of in-service early intervention providers regarding culturally responsive practices and comparing them to the tenets of best practice set forth in the conceptual literature. Specifically, the study tested the theory that cultural responsiveness is an integral component of effective early intervention service provision.

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