Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
Advisor
Karen Kimball
Committee Member
Arezou Sobhani
Committee Member
Kimberly Durham
Keywords
belonging, Black parents, cultural competence, educational equity, leadership, parent-teacher communication, predominantly white private schools, private schools, qualitative research, satisfaction, school environments, school leadership, social dynamics, teacher perceptions
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to explore Black parents’ perceptions of teachers and leadership in predominantly White private schools. The research drew on a rich body of literature on race, education, and social dynamics in diverse school settings. The study addressed the ongoing challenges Black families faced in navigating these environments, particularly in terms of communication and cultural competence. The central research questions investigated how Black parents experienced and interpreted teacher and leadership relationships and support in predominately White private schools.
The study hypothesized that Black parents perceived significant gaps in communication and cultural competence among educators and leaders, affecting their children’s overall educational experiences. Using a phenomenological approach, the study collected qualitative data through in-depth semi-structured interviews with a sample of Black parents.
NSUWorks Citation
Jennifer Vigille. 2025. Beyond the Brochure: Exploring the Reality of Belonging in South Florida Private Schools. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (780)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/780.
Included in
Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Higher Education Commons, School Psychology Commons