Family involvement in highly efficient schoos in the Basque Country

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. This publication presents evidence relating to the family’s constructive involvementand participation in schools as being one of the characteristics of the educational institutionsthat are deemed efficient, and that promotion thereof is seen as a good practice. METHOD. Theresults of the Diagnostic Assessments for all schools in the Basque Country were analysed using multilevelmultiple regression statistical models and the effects of contextual variables were controlled,leading to the selection of the thirty-two educational institutions with the highest residual, which areconsidered the most efficient. In order to identify best practices carried out in these institutions, qualitativeinstruments were then used more specifically, ninety interviews were conducted with significanteducation agents linked to the aforementioned schools. Finally, the information was analysed and theresults obtained by means of the ratings system. RESULTS. The results show that family involvementin these schools is a constant, displaying positive nuances that indicate parents’ favourable attitudetowards the school where their children are studying. Families maintain high levels of involvementand the mutual attitudes observed are positive. DISCUSSION. The discussion reveals that the degreeof the students’ families positive involvement in their schools is related to the high efficiency ofschools. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen what the nature of this involvement is, how it is established,and if perhaps more than a causal factor it might not prove to be a consequence of the matureorganization of participation and involvement found in such highly efficient schools.