Unmasking Subtle and Concealed Aspects of Parent Involvement: Perspectives From African American Parents in the Urban South

Focus group findings from 34 African American parents in an urban southern school district unmask subtle and concealed aspects of involvement. In contrast to formalized school-sponsored parent activities, involvement is described by participants as their encompassing a physical presence at the school to monitor their children’s behavior, receiving timely communication from teachers, helping with homework, and being an advocate for their children.