Parent Involvement in Schools Within a Bahamian Community: Barriers, Conflicting Views, and Community Solutions

• In Event: International Perspectives on Promoting Family-School-Community Partnerships

Abstract

Parent involvement in schooling is perceived as a challenge within the Bahamian community. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach to understand barriers Bahamian parents face to being involved, and how the community could better support them to being more present. Data collection methods included surveys (n=370 parents, n = 95 teachers), interviews (n = 33) with community sectors (faith-based, heath services, social services, and employers), and a parent focus group for a triangulation of data and perspectives. Findings show that parents’ work commitments were the number one barrier to parental involvement, though employers struggled to see the role they played in alleviating this barrier. Suggestions related to school policies and community-school partnerships are discussed.

Authors

• Anica G. Bowe, Oakland University

• Chenson Johnson, Oakland University