Date of Award
1998
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Educational Leadership
First Advisor
Angela Sewall, Ed.D.
Abstract
The study is a replication of a study by Brittle (1994) that researched attitudes of elementary principals toward parent involvement in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The 1997 Arkansas study identified and analyzed the attitudes of middle-level and junior-high principals toward parental involvement. The population for the study consisted of all middle-level and junior-high principals in the state of Arkansas. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics to answer the research questions. The study revealed how strongly Arkansas middle-level or junior-high principals believe in parent involvement. Information concerning the principals' perceived role in implementing and fostering parent involvement in their schools was examined and analyzed. It was determined that principals, generally, believe in parent involvement and feel responsible for initiating and embracing it. Principals believed that the school should develop creative ways to overcome barriers when parents do not participate in school events. Principals, however, did not favor parental involvement in decision-making areas, such as the evaluation of teachers and in the hiring of staff. Principals agreed with parent involvement as presented in policy-making roles, wherein parents serve as activists or spokespersons regarding school policies, community concerns and services for their own children. Principals especially favored home tutoring/co-learning, which involves parents helping their children at home with educational activities or school assignments. Based upon the findings, principals can improve student achievement and school success. Involving parents and establishing a viable school-parent relationship help principals determine if findings of the study can be employed and implemented as a resource. Furthermore, the findings of the study add to the knowledge base of principals concerning their responsibility and obligations in maintaining parent involvement programs in their schools.
Recommended Citation
Lacey, Marian G., "A Study of the Attitudes of Junior-High and Middle-Level Principals Toward Parent Involvement in Arkansas" (1998). Theses and Dissertations. 33.
https://research.ualr.edu/etd/33
