The role of the school social worker in family involvement as identified by family specialists and parents in selected title I schools in North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas

Abstract

This study examined the influence of social workers placed at the elementary school level, who work with low-socioeconomic families. The intent of the study was to examine the role of the social worker, at identified Title I elementary schools, on parent involvement. Research Question 1 asked, “What influence do the family specialists have in family involvement as reported by parents and family specialists at the identified Title I elementary schools in the North East ISD, in San Antonio, Texas?” The results of this study strongly support that the family specialist on the campus did have a positive influence on parents getting involved at their child’s school. Research Question 2 asked, “What selected variables influence parental involvement as reported by parents and family specialists, who are participants of the Parent Academy at the selected Title I elementary schools in the North East ISD, in San Antonio, Texas?” The results of this study strongly supported that the variables of open communication between home and school and the school being inviting to parents are positive factors in getting parents involved. Research Question 3 asked, “What influence do community agencies have in assisting with the needs of families, as reported on the end-of-year summary sheets by the family specialists at the selected Title I elementary schools in the North East ISD, in San Antonio, Texas?” The results of this study showed that data procedures were inconsistent among the family specialists in the North East ISD. Data concerning the use of social service agencies was incomplete. No standard procedures are in place for tracking services provided to families. Research Question 4 asked, “What influence do parents have on determining the classes set forth for the Parent Academy, as reported by the parents and family specialists who are participants of the Parent Academy at the selected Title I elementary campuses in the North East ISD in San Antonio, Texas?” The results of this study strongly suggested that both parents and family specialists feel the parents have a voice in choosing the classes provided for them by the family specialists.