Parent Activism and the Role of Social Media in the Opt Out Movement

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-18 - Parents' Voices in Response to Educational Policy and Practice

Abstract

Parent activism is a form of family engagement that has been growing over the past two decades. One recent example is the rapid growth of the opt out movement as a response to high stakes testing and the Common Core. According to news reports the use of social media platforms like Facebook have been central to the growth of the opt out movement. However, there is a lack of empirical research on how social media specifically supports parent activism. Using a mixed methods approach, this paper explores the role of social media within this movement. Findings suggest that social media use is widespread and plays a critical role by providing individuals with extended networks of technical and emotional support.

Authors

• Michael P. Evans, Miami University - Oxford

• Andrew Saultz, Miami University - Oxford