From Personal Matter to Policy Revision: Parent Participation During Comprehensive Quality Assessment Policy

• In Event: Analyses of International Education Policy Issues

Abstract

This study aims to investigate parent participation in educational policy-making. Researchers presented a qualitative case study on how parents participated in Shenzhen's Comprehensive Quality Assessment policy through the lens of collective action theory. Data were drawn from policy documents, social media posts, and their comments, as well as interviews with two key figures in the action (two female parents). The research found that most parents held negative views about the policy and called for the improvement of its content and implementation. Parents formed an “opinion-based alliance” and engaged in three ways: spontaneous opinion leadership, symposium attendance, and involvement in public consultations. This study broadens the utilization of collective action theory in the context of Chinese education policy.

Authors

• Qi Cai, East China Normal University
  Presenting Author

• Shuangye Chen, Chinese University of Hong Kong
  Non-Presenting Author