Date of Award

Spring 2-28-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Linda Kimble, Ed.D

Second Advisor

Jennifer Slater-Sanchez, Ed.D.

Third Advisor

Alan Enomoto, Ed.D

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the barriers exemplary principals have overcome to increase parent involvement at their school sites. This study explored how principals develop strategies to overcome barriers impeding parent involvement. Using those strategies, principals enhance parent involvement at their school sites.

Methodology: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted, consisting of interviews to collect data from elementary school principals who have successful parent involvement at their school sites. First, the principals were interviewed in 60 min sessions. The data collected were analyzed to understand individuals’ beliefs and motivation.

Findings: Data analysis revealed that exemplary principals incorporate Epstein’s (2011) six type of parental involvement to ensure they are providing various opportunities for parents to be involved. They provide parents with parenting classes, communicate with families in various ways, provide parents with multiple volunteer opportunities, provide parents with educational workshops, invite parents to be part of the decision-making process, and collaborate with the community.

Conclusion: Exemplary principals know that being a principal requires them to be open to planning school events differently than what was done in the past. They understand that the family dynamics continuously change and therefore they have to plan accordingly. They are visible in the community and know that it takes time and effort to build relationships with parents. In doing so, these exemplary principals maintain active parental involvement and are able to sustain it.

Recommendations: Recommendations include partnering with outside agencies to provide effective parenting classes for parents and collaborating with the community to provide resources to families. Research needs to include learning more about what various districts do to communicate effectively with families who speak various languages. This study should be replicated by expanding the sample size of exemplary principals who have overcome barriers to increase parental involvement at their school site.

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