Date Approved

5-31-1998

Embargo Period

8-12-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Capasso, Ronald L.

Subject(s)

Education, Elementary--Parent participation; Interns (Education); School administrators--Training of

Disciplines

Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration

Abstract

The research project focused on parent involvement in the context of the urban school setting. The target population included one parent or guardian for each BSI student in grades 1-3 during the 1997-98 school year. Subjects completed a pre-survey during the first semester of the 1997-98 school year using a 6 item interest inventory. Responses to individual items were summarized using percentages. This data served as the basis for the development of the internship activities. A post-survey was administered during the second half of the 1997-98 school year using a similar inventory. Post-survey data was summarized and compared to patterns found in pre-survey responses.

Results of the pre-survey showed a high level of interest in parent involvement activities. However, comparative analysis of post-survey data did not show a high level of parent participation. Although parents originally indicated an interest in becoming involved, the majority did not follow through. Participation in traditional activities such as open houses was high, but parents did not attend non-traditional activities such as educational parent workshops. One possible barrier to participation is the work schedule of parents. A comprehensive approach and total school effort are necessary if parent involvement is to improve.

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