Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Becky Overmyer-Velazquez

Abstract

Students of color and low socioeconomic status consistently report lower levels of achievement and educational attainment in this country. Researchers have since produced a wealth of work identifying the various barriers that students identified as low income and/or of color face, that their white, wealthier peers do not. One area this research has focused on is parent engagement. Parent engagement is shown to have an impact on student achievement and behavior. While this research explores this relationship, it also explores the vast complexities within the relationship of home, school and the child. Recognizing the importance of these aspects, it is vital to understand the factors which shape the way home and school impact the child. These factors include, but are not limited to, race, socioeconomic status, language, culture and parent education level. Understanding that these factors significantly impact a child, their community and their schooling, it is important that these be considered when discussing parent involvement and the ways in which parents interact with the school system. While most research focuses on teachers or administrators, my project ensures both are discussed. In addition, my project also includes interviews with office and support staff within schools. These staff members often handle the day to day operation of the school and serve as the face of it. In an effort to understand who on school campuses parents feel most comfortable with and who has the most contact with parents, this group has been included. Anecdotally, it is clear educators recognize the influence that these individuals have in embracing an organization’s culture and values, and this investigation aims to help bridge the gap between the anecdotes of practitioners and the academic community.

Comments

WSP Major: Sociological Approaches to Education Policy

Download

Included in

Education Commons

Share

COinS