The United States' economic expansion and health rely on innovation in science and technology, which creates one million more jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) annually than the number of STEM college graduates. Despite recent educational reforms designed to maximize the growth of STEM high school graduates, the difference in the amount of STEM graduates and STEM jobs created annually remains. Little research exists on increasing underrepresented minorities (URM) parental involvement in support of STEM high school students. This qualitative multiple case study aimed to explore parental perspectives regarding how parental involvement in their high school child’s STEM education affects students’ participation and persistence. The theoretical framework for the study will be Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (EST) which suggests that individuals develop alongside a relationship with the larger community and society. A purposive sample of approximately 10 to 15 URM parents with STEM students will be recruited from a one, populous high school in Florida. Data will be collected using semi-structured interviews. There are 15 interview questions, each taking up to 90 minutes to complete. Data were analyzed using a 12-step inductive thematic analysis.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 2023 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Daniel Turner (Supervisor) & Berta Capo (Advisor) |
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