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Publication Date

2022-6

First Advisor

Susanne Bennett

Second Advisor

Joanne Corbin

Third Advisor

Joan Lesser

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

African American parent involvement, education attainment, African American education history, critical race theory, self psychology

Abstract

This narrative qualitative research study explored the perceptions of 20 African American parents, in order to understand their roles in the education of their children in public high schools in Los Angeles County, CA, during the period of COVID- 19. The study aimed to understand how factors of race, class, and personal historical experiences influenced parental engagement with the schools. Theoretical concepts from Critical Race Theory and Self Psychology were used to guide the research and inform the analysis of the data. The four major themes that emerged from the narratives were: 1) parents optimized learning experiences for their children; 2) parent involvement was influenced by race, class, and personal history; 3) student experiences were influenced by race and inclusion in high school; and 4) students thrived during virtual learning caused by COVID-19. The study also included an overview of the history of African American parent experiences in the education system and how these experiences have influenced parental engagement with academic institutions.

Rights

©2022 Brandy Stewart. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

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