PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF THE STUDENT ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD
Michelle Y. Allee
B.A., California State University, Fresno, 2002
PROJECT
Submitted in partial satisfaction of
the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
at
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
FALL
2009
PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF THE STUDENT ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD
A Project
by
Michelle Y. Allee
Approved by:
__________________________________, Committee Chair
Joyce Burris, Ph.D
____________________________
Date
ii
Student: Michelle Y. Allee
I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University
format manual, and that this project is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to
be awarded for the Project.
__________________________, Graduate Coordinator ________________________
Teiahsha Bankhead, Ph.D, MSW
Date
Division of Social Work
iii
Abstract
of
PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF THE STUDENT ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD
by
Michelle Y. Allee
Utilizing a case study approach, interviews of 4 parents who were mandated to attend a
Student Attendance Review Board (California Education Code 48321, 48325) conference
due to the truant behavior of their children were conducted. The data were analyzed to
discover the experiences and perceptions parents had regarding SARB and relationships
with school staff concerning their children’s attendance. The findings show a contrast to
the intentions of SARB; parents experienced SARB as a poorly managed intervention
while school staff lacked proper communication and knowledge of protocol in the
utilization of district forms. Recommendations of how to improve SARB are stated.
_______________________, Committee Chair
Joyce Burris, Ph.D.
_______________________
Date
iv
DEDICATION
In memory of my Father, Randy Allee, 1951-2009 who always encouraged me to take on
a challenge, further my education, and stand up for what I believe. I know you would be
so proud.
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Dedication …………………………………………………………………………………v
List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………...ix
Chapter
1.
THE PROBLEM ……………………………………………………………………...1
Background ………………………………………………………………………….5
Statement of the Research Problem …………………………………………………7
Purpose of the Study ………………………………………………………………7
Theoretical Framework ……………………………………………………………...8
Research Questions ………………………………………………………………...12
Definition of Terms………………………………………………………………...13
Assumptions………………………………………………………………………..15
Justification ………………………………………………………………………15
Delimitations ……………………………………………………………………….16
Summary …………………………………………………………………………...17
2.
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE …………………………………………………18
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………...18
Information Produced by the State of California …………………………………..19
Truancy Intervention Programs ……………………………………………………24
National Demographics…………………………………………………………….29
Home to School Relations …………………………………………………………31
Reactance to Authority……………………………………………………………..34
vi
Summary …………………………………………………………………………...36
3.
METHODS ………………………………………………………………………….38
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………...38
Design ……………………………………………………………………………...38
Research Questions and Variables …………………………………………………39
Participants ………………………………………………………………………...41
Instruments …………………………………………………………………………42
Validity and Reliability …………………………………………………………….44
Data Gathering Procedures ………………………………………………………...46
Protection of Human Subjects……………………………………………………...48
Summary …………………………………………………………………………...50
4.
FINDINGS …………………………………………………………………………..52
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………..52
Findings ……………………………………………………………………………53
Secondary Demographic Data……………………………………………………...54
Original Demographic Data ………………………………………………………..57
Qualitative Analysis ………………………………………………………………..58
School Relations …………………………………………………………………...65
Findings Compared to Program Intent ……………………………………………..67
Findings and the Literature Review ………………………………………………..70
Unexpected Findings……………………………………………………………….71
Findings and Theoretical Framework ……………………………………………...71
Summary …………………………………………………………………………...72
vii
5.
CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………………...75
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………..75
Discussion ……………………………………………………………………….....75
Difficulties with the Research Process……………………………………………..77
Implications for Practice …………………………………………………………...78
Implications for Further Research …………………………………………………80
Recommendations ………………………………………………………………….82
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………83
Appendices ……………………………………………………………………………….86
Appendix A. Cover Letter
………………………………………………………87
Appendix B. Cover Letter Spanish ……………………………………………….88
Appendix C. Consent Form ……………………………………………………….89
Appendix D. Consent Form Spanish ……………………………………………...92
Appendix E. Interview Guide ……………………………………………………..96
References …………………………………………………………………………........101
viii
LIST OF TABLES
Page
1. Table 1 District and State Truancy and Dropout Data
For the 2006-2007 School Year …………………………………………...55
2. Table 2 District and State Demographics
For the 2006-2007 School Year …………………………………………..55
3. Table 3 Demographics of Subjects
Studied in the Valley School District …………………………………….57
4. Table 4 Parents’ Perceptions of the SARB Process
Before attending a Conference …………………………………………...60
5. Table 5 Parents’ Perceptions of SARB
After Attending a Conference …………………………………………….62
6. Table 6 Parents’ Perceptions of Relationships
With School Personnel …………………………………………………...65
7. Table 7 Intentions of SARB from State Sources
Regarding Parents ………………………………………………………...68
ix