Effect of Family Structure on Parental Involvement: Perspectives of Principals and Traditional, Dual-Income, and Single Parents

Abstract

This study examined children's school needs, the school's response to those needs, and present and desirable forms of parental involvement from the perspectives of traditional, dual-income, and single parents. Parents from each family type and principals shared their opinions in 48 in-depth interviews. Respondents agreed that children from all families need a quality education in a safe environment. While respondents disagreed on specific forms that parental involvement should take, they agreed that it is the principal's responsibility to provide an open climate and interactive communication for meaningful involvement to occur.