Parent Involvement and High School Graduation in the NLSY97 (National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997) Cohort: Classroom Volunteers, PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) Parents, and Parental Expectations

• In Event: Roundtable Session 124
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Youth Through Family, School, and Community Involvement

Abstract

Using data from the NLSY97, a nationally representative longitudinal sample of adolescents, this study assessed the effects of parent involvement on the educational progress of adolescents. Previous research suggests parent involvement may vary by demographic characteristics and types of parent involvement. However, few studies have used nationally representative data with the income and ability controls that are included in this analysis. Findings also indicate that parent involvement—PTA involvement, classroom volunteering, and parental expectations—significantly influences high school graduation even after controlling for race, gender, family income, family structure, and other variables. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.

Authors

• Hinckley Jones-Sanpei, Brigham Young University

• Rebecca Winkel, Brigham Young University