Michael Tamburro 
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
Major: Sociology/Humanities and Social Sciences/ Elementary Education Certification
Mentor: Roger Beattie, Ph.D., Education; Coordinator - Minority Recruitment and Retention
The Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 and its Implication on Parent Involvement in the Elementary School
Education reform is a hot topic these days -- it affects us all. In this era of reform, parents should not be left out in the cold. This research project is a study of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) of 1990, its impact on elementary education, and its dealings with the issue of parental involvement. It will address such issues as...
- How much parental involvement has been mandated by the state of Kentucky?
- Why was it necessary to implement the KERA?
- How instrumental were parents?
- Is it enough?
- How have parents taken what they have been offered while still demanding more?
- How much have parents been instrumental and how much do they still need to be in order to ensure that their children's future.
The focus of my research will be on School Based Decision Making. After collecting data, I conclude that there has been a definite shift toward more parental involvement in the state of Kentucky. The question of weither the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 was necessary was answered with a definite "YES"! Kentucky has simplified the process of parent involvement and made information accessible to parents who are interested in becoming involved. Although parents have a definite way of becoming involved (the best example is their two seats on the school council), it is still up to the principals and teachers to make it work.
