Four Parent Perspectives on What Influences Their School Involvement: A Q Methodology Study

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

Abstract

Although there is considerable literature regarding parent involvement in schools, that literature has largely focused on the outcomes, the types and characteristics, and ways to increase parental involvement. The purpose of this study was to examine what parents perceived to influence their involvement in their children’s schools. Q methodology was used to develop 32 statements representing various influences on parent involvement. These statements were then sorted in a forced distribution by 42 parents based on how closely they reflected their own perspectives. These 42 sorts were then factor analyzed and four distinct factors were extracted, each representing a nuanced and holistic perspective shared by a number of participants. Implications and suggested practices for educators and school leaders are also discussed.

Authors

• Christopher A. Janson, University of North Florida

• Sophie Maxis, University of North Florida