What is the best initial step for helping Maria address homework concerns related to parental involvement?

• A. Call Maria's parents and ask them to hire a private tutor
• B. Ask Maria's teacher to arrange to help Maria with homework before or after school
• C. Arrange a conference with Maria's parents to find out what is preventing them from helping Maria with homework and suggesting community resources that could assist in resolving these issues
• D. Let Maria and her parents know that she will be receiving after school detention if she does not complete future homework assignments

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is engaging the family to uncover and address the real obstacles to parental involvement in homework. The best initial step is to hold a conference with Maria’s parents to learn what is preventing them from helping with homework and to discuss community resources that could support solving these issues. This approach builds a collaborative relationship, respects the family’s context, and gathers information you can use to tailor a practical plan. By focusing on barriers—such as time constraints, transportation, language, or access to tutoring—you can connect the family with appropriate supports and resources, and align school and community efforts to help Maria succeed.

Other options don’t address the underlying barriers in a collaborative way. Hiring a private tutor shifts responsibility onto the family without solving the root problems. Asking the teacher to provide help after school may help Maria directly but overlooks why parental involvement is limited. Issuing detention is punitive and does nothing to remove obstacles or engage the family in a constructive plan.