A Case Study on Parents' Perceptions of Their Role in the Educational Process

A school district in rural Alabama has encountered a lack of parental involvement, which research shows could have a deleterious effect on student achievement. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore parents’ perceptions about their involvement and the impact of that involvement on students’ academic achievement. The conceptual framework that informed this study was Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism. The research questions addressed the parents’ perceptions of their role in the education process as well as the effectiveness of the district’s 2 parental involvement programs. A purposeful sample of 6 parents of students at an elementary school in Grades 3 through 5 participated in open-ended interviews. Data were transcribed, member checked, and then inductively coded for emergent themes. The findings suggested that parents believed their involvement was important, as was a strong home and school relationship. These themes were used to develop 3 days of parental involvement workshops, designed to help improve participation in the district’s parental involvement programs and improve family and community relations. This study may help students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community agencies identify strategies to reduce the lack of parental involvement and increase student academic success. A Case Study on Parents’ Perceptions of Their Role in the Educational Process by Tanya S. Miles M.S., Troy State University, 2003 B.S., Alabama State University, 1995 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University February 2016 Dedication This doctoral study is dedicated to my husband, Leroy Miles, Jr., and my daughters, Jo’n-nae and Brianna Miles. I can never thank you enough for all of the love and support you have given me throughout this journey. The three of you have been my cheerleaders from the very beginning. When I wanted to give up, you guys were always there to say, “Come on, you can do it. ” I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices that were made for me to be able to take this educational journey. God blessed me with the best husband and daughters. I will always love you. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all the wonderful things he has done in my life. I would like to thank my wonderful husband, Leroy, for his unconditional love, his words of encouragement, and for being my #1 cheerleader when I wanted to give up. A special thanks to the Wind beneath my Wings, Jo’n-nae and Brianna. I thank you for being understanding and helping me through this journey. I am very blessed to have you all call me mama. I would like to thank Dr. Dennis Lawrence, my committee chair, for being my shoulder to lean on and my sounding board. Thanks to my committee members, Dr. Lynn Varner and Dr. Sydney Parent, for all the suggestion and comments. Some suggestions and comments caused some tears to flow, but I know they were to improve the final project. I would also like to acknowledge my sisters, Nan, Veronica, Janet and Karol, my best friend, Sequita, and my Dallas County Schools family Hattie and Ebony, for all of their love and support.