The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine if a positive correlation existed between parental involvement measured by the Parental Involvement Survey and African American student Arkansas Augmented Benchmark Exam (AABE) mathematics and reading scores in two rural Southeast Arkansas middle schools. Epstein's theory of overlapping spheres of influence provided the theoretical foundation. The research questions were: 1) was there a positive relationship between parents' scores on the four subscales of Learning at Home and their middle school children's AABE mathematics scores; 2) was there a positive relationship between parents' scores on the four subscales of Learning at Home and their middle school children's AABE reading scores; and 3) did the four subscales predict middle school African American students' AABE proficiency mathematics and reading scores? The sample included 77 African American parents. Results from zero-order correlation analyses indicated there was a statistically significant relationship between students' AABE mathematics scores and parental involvement at school (r = 0.335, p = 0.003), parental involvement at home (r = 0.368, p = 0.001), and parental involvement in reading (r = 0.356, p = 0.001). Correlations between students' AABE reading scores and parental involvement at school (r = 0.363, p = 0.001), parental involvement at home (r = 0.380, p = 0.001), and parental involvement in reading (r = 0.380, p = 0.001). Results from the multiple regression analysis indicated parental involvement at home scores significantly predicted students' AABE math scores F(4, 72) = 4.862, p = 0.002., R[superscript 2] = 0.213. Implications include increasing African American students' overall academic achievement through parental involvement programs that strengthen partnerships between African American parents and schools. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]