Date of Award
Summer 8-2016
Access Restriction
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate in Education
Department
Education
School or College
School of Education
First Advisor
Franca Dell'Olio
Second Advisor
Angela Bass
Third Advisor
Ref Rodriguez
Abstract
Parental engagement with schools is often considered one of the major contributing factors to a child’s success in school. There is not, however, a definition of parental engagement that takes into account the social, historical, and cultural factors that shape a parent’s view of their own engagement. This qualitative case study examines how African American parents in a high poverty, urban, charter middle school, come to understand practices and beliefs at their child’s school, while building relationships with other parents and school staff. Through the lenses of critical race theory and cultural-historical activity theory, the researcher analyzes how the convergence of race, power, history, and culture frame perspectives of policy makers, those who work in schools, and parents. Through the voices of African American parents, in a socioeconomically disadvantaged school community, they define their own engagement.
Recommended Citation
McGowan-Robinson, Laura J., "African American Parental Engagement in a Public Middle School: Contributing Factors" (2016). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 466.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/466
