Previous research on social mobility focuses almost exclusively on individual outcomes, leaving out the important effects individuals' educational attainment may have on whole families. This dissertation extends the literature by investigating the role that earning a degree may play in social mobility for first-generation college graduates and…

The present study explored the relationship between amount of dual language exposure, parents' language quality and bilingual competence among Chinese American children with autism spectrum disorder by using a cross-sectional correlational design. Thirty parent-child dyads participated in this study. Survey and observational data were collected…

This dissertation studies different social factors that affect students' cognitive, non-cognitive skills, and behaviors. The first chapter provides evidence on the immediate effects of exposure to violent crimes on academic performance and externalizing behaviors among high school students. I find that exposure to violent crimes decreases PSAT,…

This dissertation addresses three separate questions in human capital and development economics. In the first chapter, I study how college admission concerns drive students' field choices in a field-specific college admission system. To study this question, I leverage a college admission policy reform in Ethiopia that sharply increased the…

Bullying encompasses aggressive behaviors in a situation where an individual experiences negative actions from one or more individuals repeatedly and over time in the forms of emotional, verbal, physical, race-based, and cyber aggressiveness. Anti-bullying research and interventions ensure healthy school climate for students as well as promote…

It has been found that Latina/o immigrant parents set the foundation for students' higher education aspirations and achievement through moral, emotional, and logistical support (Auerbach, 2006; Hill & Torres, 2010; Zarate, Saenz, & Oseguera, 2011). Yet, this research often conflates the experiences of undocumented parents with those of…

Black parents of young adults with high incidence disabilities provide salient support to their children during and after postsecondary planning processes in high school. These parents serve a vital role concerning their child with high incidence disabilities' postsecondary planning processes. School counselors are well-positioned as social…

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Schools' Values and Practices, Parents' Motivational Beliefs, and Home Musical Background on School- Based Parental Involvement in the form of a predictive model. Survey data were collected from a sample of 205 caregivers of elementary and middle school students with special education needs…

A gap exists in the literature regarding the needs, concerns, and overall experiences of Arab American parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Al Khatib, 2017; Goforth, 2011; Haboush, 2007). This study explored the experiences of five Arab American mothers of children with ASD. A qualitative interview approach, utilizing…

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent-child relationship characteristics (attachment, involvement, discipline practices, parenting confidence, and relational frustration) and behavioral outcomes (internalizing, externalizing, and adaptive) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD presents pervasive…

Parents' perceptions regarding the home literacy environment and their ability to provide their children with literacy experiences and materials was the focus of this quantitative, exploratory quasi-experimental research study. Parents' ability to provide quality literacy experiences and materials provides a foundation for their children's future…

As a country founded by immigrants, the United States (U.S.) has a long history of multilingualism. Multilingualism is associated with better linguistic awareness (Aronin & Singleton 2012; Bialystok, 2002), cognitive advantages (Aronin & Singleton 2012), and social benefits (Baker, 2001). The need for and value of multilingualism in an…

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine whether Christian, Millennial college students' secure attachment to God relationship could contribute to their psychological separation. This question was addressed by examining (a) the correlation between attachment to parents and psychological separation, (b) the correlation…

The research on children whose parents are separated or divorced presents much debate regarding the role of risk factors and the influence of interventions to mitigate negative outcomes. Reviews of research on divorce have consistently supported findings that children of divorce have a higher incidence of mental health, substance abuse, academic,…

Digital learning is a rising method of enhancing education for learners in the K-12 sector of learning. The growing approach to instruction has created a pathway for various backgrounds of learners to conveniently explore content from home. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine parent perspectives of K-12 digital learning…