's parents often speak only Spanish which can make communication between the school and home complex and inconvenient by requiring translation between the teacher and the parent. Parent participation has repeatedly been linked to higher student achievement especially for low income children. Some Hispanic parents had negative experiences with schools and do not wish to repeat the experience. Sometimes these experiences are the result of a lack of sensitivity and understanding on the part of school personnel (Lara-Alecio, Irby, & Ebener, 1997, p. 28). Many parents of Hispanic students are unfamiliar with how the school system functions in the United States and are unaware that they are welcome and encouraged to ask questions and assist in the classroom. They often are ignorant of the link and the relationship between home and school. The language barrier effectively prevents parent participation in many schools and classrooms. Sensitivity to these issues on the part of the teacher can result in more effective learning by all the students as more parents become involved in their children's schooling.
The term Hispanic is used to describe anyone of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Therefore, there is not a single culture but rather a mixture of cultures from the various countries and regions which are blended together to form a general culture called Hispanic. This Hispanic culture stresses cooperation above individual achievement. Parents are interested in teaching their children respect for others and people in authority, "good manners, and how to get along with others" (Lara-Alecio, Irby, & Ebener, 1997, p. 29). Hispanic children work extremely well in group situations. The group is able to provide support and extra encouragement to the slower learners within the group. The culture tends to focus on the needs of the group as a whole (Baldauf...