Effective Parent Involvement in Secondary Schools of Texas Identified as Exemplary, 1982-1989. Research Monograph.

Findings of a study that examined effective parent involvement programs in selected Texas secondary schools are presented in this paper. Surveys were mailed to a total sample of 464 respondents in 35 secondary schools identified as exemplary--35 principals, 35 counselors, 175 teachers, 175 parents, 22 district superintendents, and 22 district school board presidents. A total of 229 surveys were completed, a 49 percent response rate. Onsite visits were also conducted at two middle and three high schools in the sample, where parents and school personnel were interviewed. Findings indicate that parent participation in school-based decision making (budgeting, staffing patterns, curriculum, etc.) is limited and generally not desired by school personnel or parents. Parents' lack of involvement is due to misunderstandings, not a lack of time. Recommendations are made for improving parent participation programs: offer a broad spectrum of activities; meet parents' needs; delineate a clear plan; involve the entire community; and reach out to nontraditional parents. Three figures and 17 tables are included. (Contains 92 references.) (LMI)