Please Listen ...: Parent Perspectives on Presence, Voice, and Engagement in K–12 Education

• In Event: 16.058 - Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: 16.058-16 - Parent Empowerment: Leadership, Presence, and Advocacy

Abstract

Educator expectations and understandings of parental involvement in our nation’s schools can often be disconnected from the reality of students’ lived experiences. This qualitative study purports there are lost opportunities for learning and growth when perceptions of parental involvement and home, school community relationships are not accurate nor expansive enough to appreciate the nuances of cultural, economic, or geographic circumstances. Based on a grounded theory model of qualitative research, our work involves a small theoretically derived sample of parents involved with a local parent education program. This research presents detailed descriptions of conversations and writing done with participants. From this work new models of parent voice and presence emerge.

Authors

• Jessica Millen, Independent

• Maria K. McKenna, University of Notre Dame