To access this work you must either be on the Smith College campus OR have valid Smith login credentials.
On Campus users: To access this work if you are on campus please Select the Download button.
Off Campus users: To access this work from off campus, please select the Off-Campus button and enter your Smith username and password when prompted.
Non-Smith users: You may request this item through Interlibrary Loan at your own library.
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
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Brandy, "African American Parent Stories About How Race, Culture, Class and Personal Experiences Influence Parental Involvement with Public Schools: A Narrative Analysis" (2022). Honors Project, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/2517
Smith Only:
Off Campus Download