Working together despite tensions : immigrant parent-school relations on the island of Montreal
The recent controversy over reasonable accommodation has underscored identity issues in the increasingly multiethnic student population of Montreal schools. While the establishment of good relations between immigrant parents and schools is essential and to be encouraged, it is subject to sociopolitical tensions and represents a sometimes daunting challenge. In this article, the results of parent-teacher focus groups that were organized in two Montreal schools to collect data on these relations are presented. Building on recommendations made by parents and teachers, the article suggests avenues for rethinking interaction between parents and the community as a way of laying the groundwork for mutual understanding.