Risk Indicators and Parent Involvement Facilitators: Powerful Data Tools and Voices at a Critical Time

• In Event: Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: The Link Between the Home and the School in Powerful Family Involvement Practices

Abstract

This paper provides a three-year summary of a family involvement program, including lessons learned, and preliminary data on whether this innovative, research-based program met its intended objectives. A mixed methods evaluation approach using focus groups and data gathered from student and parent information systems was utilized to bring a richer understanding of the successes and challenges of the intervention program and to explore emerging outcomes, namely strategies that work, success of program, and impact on at-risk student success. The overall intent of this research study is provide preliminary evidence to the larger field on the effectiveness of a program that builds parents’ efficacy to help their at-risk students stay on track for high school graduation through one-on-one support.

Authors

• Margaret M. Ferrara, University of Nevada - Reno

• D'Lisa Crain, Washoe County School District

• Laura Anne Davidson, Washoe County School District