Single mothers' and school leaders' viewpoints on parental involvement in various school districts within the central New York region
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the viewpoints and perceptions of single mothers and school leaders on parental involvement in various school districts within the Central New York region. The purpose of this study was also to explore the perceptions of school leaders and single mothers regarding involvement and support in children's education. The research questions asked how do school leaders describe parental involvement, what do school leaders perceive as the most appropriate strategies for involving single mothers in their children's education, how do single mothers describe parental involvement, and what do single mothers perceive school leaders could do to support their involvement in their children's education? The evidence for the study was collected via qualitative face-to-face interviews that lasted an average of one hour and ten minutes. Participants were selected from administrators, principals, lead teachers, and single mothers from various school districts located within the central region of New York State. The ten single mother participants all had children in grades K-6, and were in the 30-49 years' age range. The school leaders were purposely selected based on their occupation title as administration, principal, or lead teacher within their district of employment. Single mothers and school leaders indicated the child's education was of the utmost importance. Both groups reported that it is imperative that single mothers are involved in their children's education, as much as possible. The themes that emerged with Question One were home-school communication, checking their child's work, and participating in various school events. The themes that emerged with Questions Two were outreach, a welcoming school climate, and varying hours. The themes that emerged with Question 3 were assisting with school work, and participating in school events, and the themes that emerged with Question 4 were transportation, child care, and dissemination of information. It is recommended that administrators and other school officials as well as single mothers create a welcoming, positive universal communication atmosphere between the school and home. The purpose is to share ideas, perceptions, and potential solutions with all parties: school leaders, administration, and staff as well as parents; in search for options for solutions to difficulties school leaders and single mothers face when concerning children's education. Additionally, it is recommended that both parties explore all avenues for support to best benefit school leaders, single mothers, and most importantly student success.
Subject Area
Educational leadership|School administration|Elementary education
Recommended Citation
Bristol, Margaret Janet Wilcox, "Single mothers' and school leaders' viewpoints on parental involvement in various school districts within the central New York region" (2016). ETD Collection for Fayetteville State University. AAI10610443.
https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/dissertations/AAI10610443