Date of Award

8-29-2011

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Ibrahim Duyar

Abstract

Research has documented numerous benefits of parent involvement in children's education including increased attendance, increased test scores, and better behavior. Access to increased and meaningful communication between school and home enhances parental involvement. The utilization of technology through use of the Internet and e-mail for school-to-home communication is growing rapidly as an additional means of two-way communication between school and home. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of emerging technologies, specifically school and teacher websites and e-mail in enhancing communication between schools and parents and to determine if schools where teachers use such technology to a greater extent have higher student achievement . Data gathered from teachers and parents of eighth grade students revealed schools have the technology and infrastructure to communicate via the Internet and email with parents. Parent access is more limited but a substantial number of parents do have access through home or places of work. Parents and teachers indicated better student attitudes and behaviors since the inception of the Internet and e-mail for school-to-home communication. Findings of the study showed there is a significant difference in the student achievement levels in schools with greater school use of the Internet and email for school-to-home communication. The results showed that schools are providing information that is accessible to parents through technology, however, the level of use by schools can be improved and parent use is still limited.

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