The Illusion of Inclusion: Narratives of African American Fathers on Parental Involvement

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Black Mothers' and Fathers' Involvement in Their Children's Education

Abstract

Abstract
This research focused on African American fathers’ regarding their child’s education in elementary urban schools. The research was designed to determine whether their narratives could provide insight regarding parental involvement with teachers, campus leaders, and policy makers. A conceptual framework was informed in the research by Critical Race Theory, Cultural Capital Theory, and Social Capital Theory. Three research questions guided the study. Semi structured, open-ended interviews were used to gather data. Three themes emerged from the data: Parental Involvement, The Illusion of Inclusion, The Importance of Playing an Active Role. The implications of these findings provide key insights for educational leaders, policy makers, and practitioners to increase levels of participation by African American fathers in their children academic lives.

Author

• Joshua Demond Hughes, Prairie View A&M University