The Theory of Planned Behavior and Parental Involvement: A Theoretical Framework for Narrowing the Achievement Gaps

Yazan Alghazo, Ph.D

Abstract: This theoretical paper presents a theoretical model that shows the effect of cultural aspects mentioned in the theory of planned behavior, namely, subject norms on parental involvement behaviors of parents. The paper reports on the findings of several studies that demonstrate the relationship between parental involvement and student achievement in school in several cultural contexts. The findings and conclusions of this theoretical paper suggest that emphasis needs to be placed on increasing parental involvement in childrens education as a tool to decrease achievement gaps between students. More specifically, parental involvement can be seen as a tool to overcome achievement gaps caused by socioeconomic differences between students families.

Keywords: Parental Involvement, Achievement Gaps, Theory of Planned Behavior