Abstract

This dissertation investigates the role of parental support in K-12 online learning through a three-part research agenda grounded in the Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE) framework. The first article presents a systematic review of 31 empirical articles, identifying five key themes for effective parent-school collaboration, including improved communication, shared expertise, increased involvement, role clarification, and researcher-practitioner partnerships. The second study used a survey collecting data from 567 parents across eight online programs to explore challenges parents face in supporting their students' affective, behavioral, and cognitive (ABC) engagement. Eight primary challenges are identified, ranging from student struggles with focusing and motivation to communication gaps with schools and a lack of parental preparation. The third study developed and validated the HOPE (Helping Online Parents with Engagement) instrument, which categorizes parental support into three constructs: perceptions of student independence, parental ABC support, and school support to parents. Collectively, these studies contribute empirical and practical insights into strengthening parent-school partnerships and guiding targeted interventions to support parental engagement in K-12 online education.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Instructional Psychology and Technology

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2025-06-11

Document Type

Dissertation

Keywords

learner engagement, parent-school relationship, K-12 online learning, online engagement, parental support, school support, parent-school collaboration

Language

english

Included in

Education Commons

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