Therefore, one University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is working to help educators build new bridges of understanding and cooperation with migrant parents. Migrant parents are very involved in motivating their kids to succeed and work hard like they do. They may not get involved in traditional ways like PTA, going to bake sales and volunteering, but they are definitely involved. Lopez has earned numerous recognitions for his research, which includes spending countless hours collecting life stories of migrant families to learn about their challenges and improve school-migrant relations. He urges school administrators to use creative ways to meet the needs of this growing population to help solve potential social problems.
Migrant students have one of the highest dropout rates in the United States.
In addition to studying the problems, Lopez also has studied successful schools and offers advice to school administrators who want to be proactive. Offer services to meet parents' basic family needs. Migrant parents are typically working overtime and are not receiving public assistance, but they still may lack some necessities like good nutrition, electricity or shoes. Strive to understand their culture, and don't assume students are not trying. For example, Johnny may not have read his book last night because his home was dark.