Explore family beliefs, values, and expectations
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Exploring Pasifika cultural perspectives on inclusion, learning support, and disability’
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Differing perspectives of inclusion
Differing perspectives of inclusion
Parents and family may have different perspectives on disability, inclusion, and accessing learning support for their children.
Take time to understand:
- values and beliefs about disability and inclusion
- personal experiences of learning
- hopes and dreams for their child
- fears and anxieties
- expectations around support for learning.
Understand Pasifika contexts
Understand Pasifika contexts
Consider the varied expectations that Pasifika students balance in their roles and responsibilities connected to church, sports, or social groups alongside their school work.
Involve communities in schooling
Involve communities in schooling
The viewpoints of students, teachers, and parents on the involvement of parents and communities in schooling are explored.
Build effective partnerships
Build effective partnerships
We are true partners when:
- you listen to what I have to say
- you acknowledge my intelligence
- you want to learn more about my ways
- you don’t judge me
- you engage me in genuine dialogue
- we make decisions together
- you show that my child matters to you
- you include my experience, knowledge, and viewpoints with yours.
Source: Partners in learning: Parents voices 2008 (p 123) (opens in a new tab/window)
Useful resources
Useful resources

Understanding special education from the perspectives of Pasifika families
Read time: 101 min
Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Partners in Learning: Parents' Voices (September 2008) – Pacific parents/families
Publisher: Education Review Office | Te Tari Arotake Matauranga
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Explore Pasifika perspectives on inclusion”:
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Current page Explore family beliefs, values, and expectations
Return to the guide “Supporting Pasifika students”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Pasifika students
Strategies for action:
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Know your Pasifika learnersShow suggestions for Know your Pasifika learners
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Establish reciprocal relationshipsShow suggestions for Establish reciprocal relationships
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Build community networksShow suggestions for Build community networks
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Build a culturally responsive environmentShow suggestions for Build a culturally responsive environment
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Explore Pasifika perspectives on inclusionShow suggestions for Explore Pasifika perspectives on inclusion
- Explore family beliefs, values, and expectations
- Review recent research