Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Billie Andersson

Abstract

There is a lack of parental involvement of immigrant parents at the study site. The purpose of this study was to better understand the challenges in providing parental involvement and identifying ways to support Latino immigrant parents in their children’s education. Eight Latino parents volunteered to participate in this qualitative case study. Framed by Freire’s theory about education providing freedom and voice for underprivileged people and Ogbu and Simon’s theory about educational struggles of immigrant minorities. Guiding research questions asked how Latino immigrant parents describe the support they give to their children’s learning in school and at home and effective ways to improve and increase parental involvement. Data collection methods included a questionnaire, interview, and observation. The data were analyzed by coding data, finding themes, and commonalities by questions. Themes such as language barrier and work commitments were identified to derive a better understanding of the gaps in parental involvement. Review of the findings showed that parents provide emotional and moral support to their children but there are barriers to parental assistance. Parental jobs require long hours, parents experience language challenges, lack of academic knowledge, and parents can only help minimally with schoolwork. A review of the results suggests the need for parental workshops and meetings to provide educational exposure. The project includes four parental workshops that may contribute to social change by educating parents and making the community aware of the need for parental involvement to prepare immigrant parents for their children’s educational experience.

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