Parents' Experiences With Rural Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: COVID-19 Reactions and Responses in Rural Schools (Table 7)

Abstract

Parents in rural areas during the COVID 19 pandemic faced unique challenges regarding school involvement, communication, and choices about schooling. This qualitative study was designed to capture some of the aspects of the parent experience in a rural and remote area of Texas as they experienced the pandemic and made choices about their children’s schooling. Our findings indicate that rural school’s struggled with communication and parent involvement during the pandemic, and that parent’s decision-making processes during pandemic were framed in their previous school experiences, and consideration of complex factors from their children’s perspectives, experiences, and needs. This research helps to fill the gap in research on rural parent experiences with communication, involvement and decision making.

Authors

• Chrissy J Cross, Stephen F. Austin State University
  Presenting Author

• Heather K. Olson Beal, Stephen F. Austin State University
  Presenting Author

• Amber Wagnon, Stephen F. Austin State University
  Presenting Author

• Lauren E. Brewer, Stephen F. Austin State University
  Non-Presenting Author