Seminar in Applied Theory and Research 1 Dr. Sharon A. O’ Connor-Petruso Education

Table of Contents Introduction 1 Statement of the Problem 2 Review of Related Literature 3 Statement of the Hypothesis 5

Disclaimer This study is by no means meant to offend any of the hardworking single mothers and fathers who are doing all that is humanly possible to rear their children. Rather, it is designed to help educators and administrators realize that children from single parent families have different home lifestyles that can and generally impacts their achievement levels in the classroom. It is also a cry that something must be done to help these students thrive.

Introduction Single parenting is a very important social issue that can have significant effects on a child’s academic success. Children who are raised in a single family home are at risk of not reaching their full potential. Students within our educational system encounter many challenges in their family lives that they bring with them into the classroom. The family structure, ideally, provides a sense of security and stability that is necessary for children. When there is a breakdown in the family structure, it may have a tremendous impact on a child and their ability to function ordinarily or achieve academically. In most situations, the child no longer has two parents to depend on. Therefore they have to rely on one parent to meet most, if not all their needs. With limited finances, time and availability parents are less likely to provide the adequate support a child needs to perform to the best of their ability. This is not to say, necessarily, that the parent raising them is not providing them with more than adequate love and attention, but rather the single parent model within itself is comprised of many different factors that can affect a child’s level of academic success.

Some of these factors are: Emotional scarring left by separation that disrupts the child’s development and performance Absence of the other adult may interrupt a child’s natural growth and development Children may be inadvertently forced to grow up as they take on the duties of the absent adult Limited time and income become an issue as in how much time is focused on homework or whether money is spent to enjoy cultural activities Educational goals and aspirations may not be set as high

Statement of the Problem  There are many students within our school system that come from single parent families. Due to the many issues that stem from the single family model, some students are unable to reach their full potential. As the single parent model rapidly becomes the norm, it is necessary to find a way to address these issues so as to provide students and parents with solutions to help them achieve to their highest ability.

Review of Related Literature Pros Most of the available literature seems to support the belief that single parenting has an adverse effect on a child’s development and thus their level of achievement. Various studies present research which indicates that there is a correlation between the impact of single parenting on children and their academic achievement. Throughout the years single parent families have increased. Therefore, there is a tremendous growth in the number of children of single parents. Udansky, (2008) identifies single parenting as a major social problem on the rise. In a study reported by The Adoption Media.LLC (n.d.) of children born since 1984, more than 60% will spend an average of 5 years of their childhood in a single-parent family]. Moreover, 30% of all children in the United States spend their entire lives with single parents. Yongm and Yuanzhang, (2008) makes clear that in some cases children who experience separation or divorce do not always perform well or achieve academically. Downey (1994) informs us that students from two parent families are consistently outperforming their peers who happen to live in a single parent home. According to Wagnat, (1992) there is a need to address single-parent children and academic achievement. She points out four major areas effecting children from single parent homes. Stability/structure, acceptance, adult attention and parental involvement are extreme areas of concern that she believes are lacking in the lives of children with single parents. The Adoption Media.LLC (n.d.) reports that children in single-parent families are three times more likely to drop out of high school than children from two-parent families. Because they are the primary and frequently sole source of financial support for the family, single parents have less time to help children with homework, are less likely to use consistent discipline, and have less parental control, and all of these conditions may lead to lower academic achievement. Many studies support these views and stress that underachievement, criminal activity, poverty; racial differences are all consequences of children raised in single parent homes. However, family structure is considered the major cause of dysfunction and low academic achievement amongst children. Clay (1980) believes that school programs are not designed to accommodate dysfunctional families and emphasizes the need to provide various measures of support.

Review of Related Literature Cons  In contrast, there are a few studies that believe that the single parent household may not have as widespread and adverse an effect as is publicized. Findings suggest that conventional wisdom may exaggerate the detrimental effects of father absence (Debell, 2007). This study seemed to imply that once the socio-economic factors are controlled there is a much lessened effect on the academic performance and all around well-being of the child.  Another study suggested that much of the previous research has deliberately focused on the negative consequences for children (Glenn & Kramer, 1985). This focus and emphasis is primarily due to society’s negative reception of the single parent model and view of it as a deviation from the cultural ideal.

Research Hypothesis This study intends to show that children from single parent families are at risk of not being able to achieve to their greatest capacity. Prior research has shown that single parenting has an adverse effect on a child’s development in the classroom. This study aims to focus on the impact this social problem has on the African American community and their students. The knowledge gained from this study can be useful to educators as they attempt to meet the individual needs of their students. One of the many goals of this research is to discover whether greater teacher-parent communication, collaboration and contact perhaps help to diffuse some of the effects of single parenting?