Parents’ perceptions in STEM-oriented public schools: correlations among ethnic, linguistic, and socio-cultural factors

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to examine the parents’ perceptions of STEM-oriented public schools. The significance of study is to investigate whether any correlations were present among parental perception and ethnicity, linguistic, and income and educational background of parents. The parents from 13 different STEM-oriented schools in Texas state were asked to take an online questionnaire to gather quantitative data regarding their perception of STEM-oriented schools. There were totally 2,287 participants (parents) for the study.The results indicated that the parents considered many school characteristics that lead them to exercise their alternative school choice options with STEM-oriented schools for their children. They valued the fact that the STEM-oriented school was offering a strong academic program. They appreciated the dynamics of the school culture and climate that set high standards, embraced diversity and multi-culturalism, and provided a college-readiness atmosphere. They perceived that the teachers truly cared about and loved their children.