We Didn't Know It Was That Bad: Unearthing Parent Perspectives on Universal Pre-Kindergarten Policy

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 12:40 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Examining State and National Policy Change: National and International Perspectives (Table 16)

Abstract

Families are the ultimate recipients of the impacts of policy. This study investigated how parents perceive the effects of teacher compensation policies on New York City’s Universal Pre-K expansion. Utilizing Bronfenbrenner's (1979) ecological systems theory and Schneider and Ingram’s (1993) social construction and policy design theory as a conceptual framework, this qualitative study analyzed parents' voices through document and social media analysis and interviews (n=15). Findings revealed that while parents had limited engagement with policy, they were able to articulate the detrimental effects of unequal compensation policies, particularly the effect of teacher turnover, in their daily lives. Interviews unearthed the dissonance between the policy’s intent and its effect on perpetuating racial injustices. Recommendations for action and engagement were provided.

Author

• Maria Mavrides Calderon, Hunter College - CUNY