Date Approved

9-27-2007

Embargo Period

3-28-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Public Relations

Department

Public Relations & Advertising

College

Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts

Advisor

Basso, Joseph

Subject(s)

School districts--New Jersey--Evaluation; Home schooling; Private schools

Disciplines

Public Relations and Advertising

Abstract

An increasing number of parents across the nation are seeking alternatives to educate their children. School progress is being documented because of the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Because America's education system is enthralled with academic reforms, research about this thesis topic is significant and timely.

This case study approach addresses the question whether public school districts successfully meet the education standards of parents in the community? Also, the author compares and contrasts the benefits between private and home schooling. Finally, the author addresses specific educational issues that motivate parents to remove their children from the public school system in their respective districts.

The researcher conducted a focus group with parents in southern New Jersey communities who currently have children enrolled in private and home school environments. Group participants answered questions posed by the researcher with the purpose of drawing a consensus on what are shared and unshared values among public, private and home schools.

The focus group results indicate that parents of private and home school students believe academic values are not being met, which is severely affecting the learning process. Further more, parents who have children enrolled in private or home school express that a Christ and family centered foundation significantly improves education. Research also concluded that respondents perceive public school education as ineffectual at providing a quality education for children.

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