Date Approved
8-9-2026
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Educational Differentiation (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Sherie Klee
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
This study addresses the pedagogical disconnect between modern, inquiry-based mathematics instruction and traditional caregiver support structures. While caregiver involvement has proved to be helpful in student achievement, systematic barriers that limit family’s capacity, parent self-efficacy and their willingness to use learning strategies at home, the perception of the parent role of caregivers in their child’ s education makes it difficult. The curriculum prioritizes conceptual number sense and critical thinking rather than rote standard algorithm, so it has created a barrier in parent support among caregivers with these instructional shifts. It diminishes parent self-efficacy particularly in fifth grade. The project features a multi-model intervention using parent/teacher communication, Google Workplace training, and instructional tutorial videos that help booster parent fluency. This study collects data using surveys and mini-interviews with caregivers and students. By fostering social capital and curricular alignment between home and school this project empowers parents and caregivers to be active participants in their student’s learning.
ScholarWorks Citation
DeBlaay, Lindsey M., "The Role of Parents in Supporting Student Learning at Home" (2026). Masters Projects. 759.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/759
