Research shows that parent engagement can improve outcomes, yet the existing research relies on a very narrow definition of "parent engagement", and is inconclusive about who benefits from that engagement. It is clear that already advantaged students benefit from the presence of PTAs and other forms of parent engagement in schools. However, those benefits do not flow to all students equally.
Dr. Brittany Murray's research focuses on race, families, and school inequality. Following in the footsteps of scholars who have begun to problematize the question of parental engagement, Dr. Murray asks us to consider if parent involvement is the universal good we've been led to believe it is. When we see the consistent representation problems that plague PTAs across the country, we have to ask how we can engage in ways that work to benefit all students and not just the children of those who are most able to participate in our narrow definition of parental engagement.
LINKS:

Dr. Murray's paper on bridging vs bonding social capital


Dr. Annette Lareau

Dr. Jessica Calarco

Her episode on our show

Her paper,  Avoiding Us Versus Them - on privilege dependance. 

Her book, Negotiating Opportunity: How the Middle Class Secures Advantages in School


Dr. Joyce Epstein's work

Dr. Linn Posey-Maddox

Dr. Maia Cucchiara

Dr. Christine Woyshner


Dr. Putnam's Bowling Alone



Dr. Victor Ray on racialized organizations


Granovetter paper about the strength of weak ties

Dr. Ann Ishimaru

Her episode on our show

Her book, Just Schools: Building Equitable Collaborations with Families and Communities



ACTION STEPS:

Get involved in ways that push back on opportunity hoarding

When you do get involved, name that you are not looking for special treatment for your kid and that your commitment is to ALL kids.

Work to create opportunities for community building outside of the traditional PTA context

Share this episode with your school community

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The Integrated Schools Podcast was created by Courtney Mykytyn and Andrew Lefkowits.
This episode was produced by Andrew Lefkowits and Val Brown. It was edited, and mixed by Andrew Lefkowits.
Music by Kevin Casey.