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ERIC Number: ED653692
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 131
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3827-1576-6
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Income Eligible School Choice: The Effect of Parent Knowledge on Advocacy
Kristen D. Foster
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Southern California
This study sought to explore the lived experience of parents concerning school voucher programs and determine whether parental knowledge of funding discrepancies between income-eligible voucher programs and traditional public schools drives parents' advocacy for vouchers. This research is rooted in the interest convergence theory to explore and examine whether parents in lower socioeconomic groups participating in school choice felt valued by policymakers. Using the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) as a basis for this study, the researcher interviewed current MPCP leaders about their activities to raise parental awareness concerning funding discrepancies. The study surveyed participating MPCP parents regarding their experiences and awareness of discrepancies and determined whether knowledge of discrepancies influenced parents' perceptions of value-added by policymakers. Finally, the study identified whether knowledge of discrepancies leads to parents' interest in advocating for income-eligible school choice programs. Interview results were analyzed using qualitative methods and supported by steps to ensure trustworthiness. Survey results showed that parents are unaware of discrepancies in funding and compliance and that leaders are doing little to inform parents. Parents felt that legislation valued their choice while reporting not feeling directly valued by policymakers. Despite discrepancies, parents reported they would continue in the MPCP. Implications of the study lie in revealing the interests of parents to have higher quality information even though leaders have not embraced the practice of informing. This separation could result in slower pathways to legislative change, further marginalizing families. The study concluded that parents desire to feel valued and informed and provided opportunities to advocate for their choices. [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.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A