Involving Hispanic Parents at School: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Parents + Schools = Successful Children Program

Abstract

Parent’s involvement in their children’s education has been shown to have a positive impact on student outcomes, including academic achievement, attitude toward school, and skill development. However, there is limited research exploring how to help Hispanic parents become more involved in their children’s schooling. There are more than 13.8 million Hispanic students in public elementary and secondary schools. Due to the increase in Hispanic students within the U.S. there is a need to better understand and support their parents’ involvement in schools. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Parents + Schools = Successful Children (PSSC) program on the involvement of 19 hispanic parents at an urban elementary school. This study used a mixed-methods design with concurrent triangulation to evaluate the effectiveness and social validity of the program. Results indicated that PSSC improved the overall level of involvement by helping parents improve reading in the home, increase their understanding of the school system, and be more involved in their child’s school. Additionally, the program was viewed as socially valid and helpful according to parents and program teachers. The significance of these results is discussed, as well as study limitations and suggestions for school practices that may encourage Hispanic parent involvement.