The associations between parent attitudes and behaviors and child self-concept and academic achievement

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between parent academic expectations/aspirations and involvement behaviors, academic achievement, and academic self-concept among youth in elementary school. Measures include: the Scale of Educational Aspirations and Expectations for Adolescents, the Parent Report of Home-based and School-based Involvement Activities Scales, the Self-Description Questionnaire I, and the Illinois Standards Achievement Test. A total of 55 fourth or fifth grade children enrolled in one of two rural Midwestern elementary schools and their parents participated. Mixed results were observed with respect to the relations among parent reported expectations, child academic achievement and self-concept. Child perceptions of parent expectations and involvement behaviors were significantly correlated with academic self-concept. However, there were significant differences between schools. Finally, non-minority children obtained higher scores for self-concept in mathematics than minority children. Potential concerns with sample size and construct measurement are explored. Implications for policy and classroom interventions are also discussed