Using Technology to Coach Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families in the Behavior Intervention Plan Process: Embedding Funds of Knowledge

• Published in: Journal of special education technology Vol. 38; no. 1; pp. 6 - 14
• Main Authors: Matute-Chavarria, Monique, Cuba, Melissa J., Lavin, Carlos E., Katz, Sarah, Brown, Monica R., Aborishade, Ayodele P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.03.2023; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Access to Education; Behavior Change; Behavior modification; Behavior Problems; Coaching (Performance); Computer Mediated Communication; COVID-19; Cultural Background; Cultural Differences; Distance Education; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; Emotional Disturbances; Family Environment; Intervention; Kindergarten; Pandemics; Parent Child Relationship; Parent Teacher Cooperation; Social Differences; Student Behavior; Students with Disabilities; Teacher Attitudes; Teaching Methods; funds of knowledge; behavior intervention plan; family coaching; culturally and linguistically diverse families; technology
• DOI: 10.1177/01626434221139213
• ISSN: 0162-6434

The COVID-19 pandemic made the use of technology across K-12 schools mandatory and ubiquitous. This sudden shift in teaching and learning highlighted educational disparities and created service disruptions for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with disabilities. One disruption, in particular, is the provision of behavioral interventions for CLD students with emotional and behavioral needs while learning at home. Unfortunately, families are often not equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement these interventions, and CLD families need coaching that is responsive to their cultural and linguistic needs. Therefore, in this article, we describe a process that includes (a) funds of knowledge as a framework to challenge teacher perceptions of CLD families by highlighting their cultural and cognitive resources, (b) family coaching using funds of knowledge framework and online tools, (c) key components prior to behavior intervention plan (BIP) development, and (d) a step-by-step description of how the BIP can be developed and implemented at home with CLD families using this coaching model.