| Understanding the Decision-Making Processes of Low-Income Families as They Choose Charter Schools for Their Children This study examined the experiences of low-income parents and guardians of children who have recently enrolled in a charter school or who have applied for enrollment for the coming school year. The ten participants in this study were interviewed in the spring of the year as they either reflected on a choice they had recently made or waited on word if they would be accepted for enrollment in the fall. The researcher utilized interviews in order to gain a better understanding of the experience of families as they chose a charter school for their children. The research questions of this study are organized around the Resources-Attitude-Opportunity framework which helps to explain the decision making process of families while taking into account their family social status and their desired educational outcomes. Participants provided a rich insight into the experiences they had choosing a school for their children, including the attributes they were looking for in a prospective school and the experiences that lead them to make a particular decision. Results of the study included the affect social networks and previous school experiences had on the decision-making process; as well as insight into how families weighted their options given an environment of increasing educational choice. Specifically, this study highlights the importance of how charter schools positioned themselves against other educational options and the preference participants in this study had for what they viewed as a more personalized educational experience. Additionally, participants indicated that they chose a particular charter school because of the charter school's ability to respond to their needs by offering programs which were not available at their local district school. These programs included: additional extra-curricular programs, before and after school child care, extended school days and years, individualized tutoring, and more responsive communication with families. Finally, this study provides valuable information for charter and district school leaders on how they can best meet the needs of low-income families as well as information for policy makers looking to expand the role of school choice for families in their district. |
