Perceptions of parental involvement at school: examination of a primary-middle school parent volunteer program

The purpose of the current study was to better understand parents’ perceptions on volunteering within the school and to identify the major barriers that prevent parents from volunteering their time. Despite the amount of literature that indicates a connection between parent involvement and student achievement, teachers and school leaders continue to struggle with how to improve parent involvement. The goal of this study was to share the voices and perceptions of parents that indicate why there is a concern with too few involved through parental participation at an independent school in a mid sized town on Vancouver Island. This thesis utilizes questionnaire and focus group data from parents of K-9 students at an independent school on Vancouver Island to examine parents’ perceptions on volunteering, and the barriers that prevent parents from assisting within the school community. The results of this study indicate that parents’ work schedules and time were the major barriers. Communication and being unaware of the possible opportunities to volunteer were also highly noted by parents as major barriers to getting involved. The research and results of this study are intended to educate teachers, administration, support staff, and parents to promote parent involvement and in turn benefit the students and the greater school community.