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Description
Parent involvement programs have been shown to have a positive effect on the academic success of children. There has been some controversy whether previous research findings are accurate and represent all ethnicities equally. Families from low socioeconomic status (SES) and minority backgrounds have been targeted as participants for these types of studies. The self-efficacy and confidence levels of these parents have been shown to be at low levels and are a determinant of their involvement in their child's school. Parental involvement can be defined in many different ways depending on the person being asked. The three main opinions come from parents, students and teachers. Each set of individuals look at communication and the amount of time spent with the child at home and at school. Low parental educational levels are an inhibiting factor that contributes to the lack of parental involvement. Along with that, cultural beliefs regarding the treatment and respect of teachers must be taken into account when evaluating the benefits and effects of any parent education or parent involvement program. Multiple aspects must be evaluated to ensure that parents' needs are being met in an environment that helps increase their self-efficacy so they are able to advocate for their children in the educational setting. This study is an evaluation of the Parental Readiness and Empowerment Program that is organized by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The data shows there was an increase in parent advocacy and self-efficacy for participants after attendance at one or more PREP workshops. Data also show the need for the continuation of parent education workshops.
