Parents’ Involvement in their Children’s Education: The Value of Parental Perceptions in Public Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gather data from public school parents that would contribute to the understanding of parental involvement with school choice for their children and of parental involvement with educational organizations. We employed a case study approach as the methodological basis for eliciting 22 multi-racial parents perceptions’ about school climate and their child’s school choice. Our comprehensive in-depth semi-structured interviews, field notes, observations, and documents data collection process incorporated feedback from potential respondents from the outset of the design process to enhance data quality. Verbatim transcripts and documents were analyzed using a content and thematic analysis approach. Four over-arching themes were identified; (i) factors that parents value in schools, (ii) concerns about other school choices, (iii) the features and programs that appeal to parents, and (iv) parental perceptions of the chosen school. The findings of this study revealed that parents choose schools for their children for the following reasons. The children were better served, the programs and features offered by schools appealed to most participants, the schools had strong academic programs, a proper school climate and culture were present, the setting embraced diversity and multicultural atmospheres, a safe and secure place was present, and instruction was focused on a small and caring environment.

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“…The findings infers that a wellestablished rapport between parents and the schools is a mediation that encourages conducive learning environment. These findings are in line with what was suggested by studies of Shakeel and DeAngelis (2018) and Duman et al (2018) that positive parental perception towards their involvement in school matters provides safety and lower indiscipline cases in public schools. This infers that when parents are involved in public secondary schools matters, they tend to value school academic programmes, school safety and students moral behaviours.…”

School Climate and Pupils’ Progress

“…In a study conducted by Duman et al (2018), parents hold specific expectations for their children's schools, and their perceptions of schools such as a favorable school climate play a significant role in guiding their decisions and actions. Quiroga-Marabol et al 2019 also stressed that educational setting significantly influences various aspects of pupils' lives, including their quality of life, and attitudes toward academic pursuits.…”

Parental acceptance of brain health programs for preschool children: a mixed-methods study exploring barriers, facilitators and future approaches

“…By aligning with established guidelines and frameworks that prioritises early childhood health and development, these programs gain credibility and trust among parents (41). This alignment fosters a sense of legitimacy, enhancing parents' confidence in the efficacy and safety of the programs (42,43).…”