Family lessons and funds of knowledge: College-going paths in mexican american families

Families are crucial in the development of a college-going culture in the home. This qualitative study illustrates that Mexican American families are no exception. Using a multiple case study design, this study explored the funds of knowledge present in Mexican American families. Findings from this study reveal how daily educational practices, extended family networks, and preexisting college knowledge contribute to the development of positive college ideologies. Findings suggest that a shift in how researchers and practitioners understand and incorporate families in educational programming must take into consideration the fact that families have knowledge both about education in general and about college specifically.