Thesis Abstract

Abstract

Parental involvement in education has long been recognized as a critical factor influencing student success. However, the specific role of parental engagement in school counseling programs and its impact on adolescent academic achievement remains an area warranting further exploration. This qualitative study investigates the dynamics of parental involvement in comprehensive school counseling programs and its potential to enhance adolescents' academic outcomes.

Through a multiple case study approach, the research examines three distinct high school counseling programs that actively incorporate parental involvement strategies. Data collection involves semi-structured interviews with school counselors, administrators, parents, and students, as well as observations of parent-counselor interactions and document analysis.

The study aims to uncover the various modalities of parental involvement in counseling programs, such as parent education workshops, collaborative goal-setting, and communication channels. Additionally, it explores the perceived benefits and challenges associated with fostering parental engagement from the perspectives of key stakeholders.

By analyzing the findings across the three cases, the research seeks to identify best practices, effective strategies, and potential barriers in leveraging parental involvement to support adolescent academic achievement through counseling interventions. Furthermore, the study endeavors to inform educational policies and practices, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong family-school partnerships in promoting student success.

Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on the role of parental involvement in education, specifically within the context of school counseling programs, and aims to provide valuable insights for educators, counselors, and policymakers seeking to enhance adolescent academic outcomes.

Thesis Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction

Parental involvement in education has long been recognized as a pivotal factor contributing to student success. Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of active parental engagement on academic achievement, attendance, motivation, and overall well-being. However, while the general benefits of parental involvement are well-documented, the specific role of parental engagement within school counseling programs and its influence on adolescent academic achievement remains an area warranting further investigation.

School counseling programs play a vital role in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development. These comprehensive programs typically encompass various services, such as academic advising, college and career planning, personal and social counseling, and collaboration with teachers and families. While the involvement of parents in these programs is often encouraged, the extent and modalities of such involvement, as well as its potential impact on adolescent academic achievement, require in-depth exploration.

This qualitative study aims to shed light on the dynamics of parental involvement in school counseling programs and its potential to enhance adolescent academic outcomes. Through a multiple case study approach, the research examines three distinct high school counseling programs that actively incorporate parental involvement strategies.

The first case study focuses on a counseling program that emphasizes parent education workshops, equipping families with knowledge and skills to support their children's academic and personal development. The second case explores a program that fosters collaborative goal-setting between counselors, students, and parents, promoting shared responsibility and accountability. The third case investigates a counseling program that emphasizes open communication channels and frequent interactions between counselors and parents, facilitating ongoing dialogue and support.

Data collection for this study involves semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including school counselors, administrators, parents, and students. Additionally, observations of parent-counselor interactions and document analysis of program materials and policies will be conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

The study aims to uncover the various modalities of parental involvement in counseling programs, such as parent education workshops, collaborative goal-setting, and communication channels. Furthermore, it explores the perceived benefits and challenges associated with fostering parental engagement from the perspectives of school counselors, parents, and students.

By analyzing the findings across the three cases, the research seeks to identify best practices, effective strategies, and potential barriers in leveraging parental involvement to support adolescent academic achievement through counseling interventions. Additionally, the study endeavors to inform educational policies and practices, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong family-school partnerships in promoting student success.

Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on the role of parental involvement in education, specifically within the context of school counseling programs. By providing valuable insights into the impact of parental engagement on adolescent academic achievement, the study aims to inform educators, counselors, and policymakers in their efforts to enhance student outcomes and create supportive and inclusive educational environments.