Mitigating Attrition in Educational Pathways Through Transformative Parent Engagement

• In Event: Parenting as Praxis: Families, Schooling, and the Quest for Racial, Linguistic, and Disability Justice

Abstract

This paper shares findings from an impact study of a social justice, equity-focused family engagement nonprofit in California. The study analyzed 1,047 parent/caregiver surveys and 122 follow-up interviews. Results show the programming significantly improved academic outcomes for historically minoritized secondary students, especially those from households with a primary language other than English. Key findings highlight how increased parent/caregiver and student navigational capital strengthened students’ academic and professional pathways by improving high school graduation and college persistence rates. The study also revealed enhanced parent/caregiver agency, as participants applied knowledge from workshops to advocate for their children in schools. These outcomes underscore the critical role of culturally responsive family engagement in promoting educational equity and long-term student success.

Authors

• Monique Escobedo, San Diego State University

• Cristina Alfaro, San Diego State University

• Velia Huerta, San Diego State University

• Saul I. Maldonado, San Diego State University