War on Education a Sociological & Political Approach
Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Fitzgerald, Keith
Keywords
Civic Engagement, Parents and Education, Social Capital
Area of Concentration
Political Science
Abstract
Despite the recognized importance of public school education, the system currently is failing to provide a quality education to many students. This study clarifies variations in academic achievement across parameters of ethnicity, class, and school funding expenditures, thereby discerning the factors which are most influential upon student achievement. What becomes clear is that increasing parental and civic involvement in the educational process is critical to any sustained effort to increase student performance. Thisconclusion is borne out by research examining a panoply of different achievement predictors and educational barriers. School funding, socio-economic status and ethnicity alone are insufficient predictors of success or focal points for the development of innovative educational strategies. What emerges instead is that public schools should be viewed in a new light: as platforms for organizing not just students among classrooms and grade levels, but also parents and community members into educational social-networks.This may involve changing school structure to meet the needs of the school population (e.g., by accommodating the schedules of low-income parents or accounting for differing socio-cultural values in school activities and events). Regardless of the precise means, increasing community involvement offers the best method to boost student achievement across socioeconomic and other spectra.
Recommended Citation
McCulloch, Michael, "War on Education a Sociological & Political Approach" (2006). Theses & ETDs. 3678.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3678
Rights
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