Changing Directions: Participatory Action Research As A Parent Involvement Strategy

Source: Educational Action Research, Volume 17, Issue 2 June 2009 , pages 239 - 258. 

This article examines the implementation of a participatory action research study as a parent involvement strategy in one urban, Colorado middle school thought to have low parental involvement.

Parent leaders from the middle school community participated in the data collection, analysis, and dissemination as 'promotora researchers.' These parent promotora researchers facilitated parent focus group sessions, collectively analyzed data, presented findings to the school community, and reflected on their personal experience throughout the study.

Findings revealed that parent participants perceive themselves to be significantly involved in their children's lives at home in ways that are not recognized under traditional definitions of parent involvement. The participatory action research design was found to be an effective strategy for parent involvement for school improvement.