Parental Participation: The Experience of Low-Income Latinx Families in a Catholic School

• In Event: 68.060 - Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: 68.060-10 - The Effect of Parental Engagement on Student Achievement and Schooling Experiences

Abstract

Enrollment in Catholic schools often comes with a different set of expectations from public schools. Many Catholic schools in the Midwest encourage families to fulfill a number of volunteer hours. Despite these expectations, several schools have low parental involvement. This study seeks to document the experiences of low income, Latinx families around parental involvement in a parochial school in hopes of understanding the reasoning for participating (or not). Using Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler framework for parental involvement, the researchers are able to conclude that the participants, although busy with work, family responsibilities, and minimal English language proficiency, want to make time to participate. Their lack of participation is based on not feeling welcomed and not having volunteer opportunities after work hours.

Authors

• Tatiana Joseph, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

• Rene F. Antrop-Gonzalez, Metropolitan State University

• William Velez, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee