Factors influencing Seventh-day Adventist African-Americans parents to support SDA primary schools in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania

This dissertation assesses attitudes and demographic factors that influence enrollment of African-American parents' children in Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) primary schools. The investigator's intention was to enhance understanding of the reasons why Seventh-day Adventist African-American parents do not choose to enroll their children in SDA schools. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TOPB) was used to address the following five questions regarding behavior towards choice of school for their children: What behavioral beliefs do parents have that indicate a willingness to send their children to SDA schools? What control beliefs do parents have that indicate a willingness to send their children to SDA schools? What nominative beliefs do parents have that indicate a willingness to send their children to SDA schools? Is there an association between families with a current annual income of less than $29,999,000 or greater than $30,000.00 who indicate a willingness to send their children to SDA schools? Is there an association between religious instruction in SDA schools that outweigh the advantages offered by public schools and parents' willingness to send their children to these schools, and is there an association between parents who have attended SDA schools and their willingness to send their children to these schools?

This study clarified parental perceptions regarding SDA education as well as parental priorities for choosing an appropriate educational setting for their children. In addition, the findings determined the extent to which tuition costs and transportation pose barriers to participation, particularly among low-income families. The results have been shared with participating congregations and schools to better understand the basis on which school choices are made by parents. In addition, this study extends across ethnic and denominational lines and can assist other schools in understanding how to structure and promote educational programs to target populations. Through the results of this study, schools can correct misconceptions, promote advantages of church related education that align with parental priorities, and reduce or eliminate barriers to participation.


Availability:
For Sale
Publication Date:
2004
Author:
Alfred Booker
Publisher:
Order Information:
Full text available online through ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Completed through Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Unpublished Plans & Papers; Internet Resources
Resource Objective:
Administration & Leadership; Research
Level:
Kindergarten-Grade 8
Audience:
Administrator / Leader, Teacher / Faculty, Parent / Informal Education
Religious Origin:
Seventh-day Adventist