What is Critical Conscientization

This chapter shares the organization background, theoretical frameworks, the case example of an Education CAFE model, challenges, and recommendations by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) from its more than 45 years of ground-breaking work in strategic partnerships focused on family leadership in education. The IDRA Education CAFE (Community Action Forums for Excellence) is a parent group that is rooted in a community-based organization, rather than in a single school. Its sole purpose is to collaborate with schools to improve the success of students in the community. IDRA developed the model through strategic partnerships with schools, families, and communities. It is the central focus of this case study illustrating lessons learned and next steps for successful strategic partnerships for family leadership in education.