Whitman hosts parent involvement expert

Whitman College hosts expert on parental involvement and childhood education
Should parents be involved in their children's education? Is there a connection between parental involvement and improved student performance? Are there differences in involvement between parents of different socioeconomic classes and ethnic groups? Dr. Keith Robinson, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, has addressed these questions in the most thorough scientific investigation to date of how parents across socioeconomic and ethnic groups contribute to the academic performance of K-12 children. Dr. Robinson’s study challenges notions that parental involvement occurs in only one way, and that it is always beneficial to children's academic success.

The Whitman College Department of Sociology, with funds from the Visiting Educator Program, is hosting Dr. Robinson on Monday, Mar. 3 at 7 p.m. in Maxey Auditorium on the Whitman College campus. He will present a talk based on his book (co-written by Angel Harris) The Broken Compass: Parental Involvement With Children's Education. The talk will be titled "Parental Involvement and Academic Outcomes: What Works...and What Doesn't."

Keith Robinson's other research focuses on the determinants and implications of test score (achievement) inequality in K-12 education. His presentation will prove useful to parents and education professionals alike.

Questions about the event can be addressed to Professor Michelle Janning, Whitman College Sociology Department, at janninmy@whitman.edu.