Date of Award
Spring 5-2009
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Terry Reid
Second Advisor
Dr. Sherry DeVore
Third Advisor
Dr. Dennis Cooper
Abstract
With ever-increasing accountability requirements, public schools need to seek the support of the most invested parties, the parents. Despite the good intentions of all involved, finding meaningful ways for schools and parents to collaborate on student learning remains a difficult task. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of Missouri parents and school personnel from the top-performing elementary schools in the state regarding involvement, to determine if a relationship existed between these attitudes and student achievement. Sixty-eight demographically diverse Missouri schools were included in this quantitative, correlational study. Examined were questionnaire items related to parental involvement and reported usage of technology to communicate with these important stakeholders. Relevant data from the Missouri School Improvement Plan's Advanced Questionnaire were compared with achievement scores from the Missouri Assessment Program achievement data. The most statistically significant links to student achievement were found among the variables encouraging parents to be involved and offering strategies to assist with learning at home. In addition, the researcher examined the types and degree of use for participating schools and found they largely rely on electronic mail, web sites, and voicemail to increase parental awareness of school business and performance. Other technologies used less frequently included Listservs, homework hotlines, and calling systems.
Recommended Citation
Wood, Gina M., "Parent Involvement and Technologically-Based Communications in Missouri’s Top Performing Schools" (2009). Dissertations. 612.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/dissertations/612
Rights
Copyright 2009