UW–Madison alumnus Matthew Knoester, who earned his PhD from the School of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction in 2010, has co-authored a new book titled, “Fostering School–Family Relationships in Multicultural Communities,” published by Teachers College Press on Sept. 26.
Knoester is a professor and chair of the Educational Studies Department at Ripon College. His co-authors are Maura G. Robinson, a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) consultant and coach to school districts and organizations, and Touorizou Hervé Somé, an associate professor in the Educational Studies Department at Ripon.
Part of the Multicultural Education Series, the book offers strategies for parents and educators to improve communication, build understanding, and collaborate effectively across cultural differences for the benefit of K–12 students. Drawing from personal experiences and current research, the authors highlight examples of successful family–school partnerships, culturally relevant educational practices, and ways parents can advocate for strong public schools in their communities.
The book also includes practical tools for fostering collaboration between families and schools, guidance for navigating common communication challenges, and reflection questions to support group discussion among educators and parents.
“Fostering School–Family Relationships in Multicultural Communities” is available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats.