In the Media: Dr. Toby Parcel

On October 24, 2013, Dr. Toby Parcel saw a research study she co-authored, “Does Capital at Home Matter More Than Capital at School? Social Capital Effects on Academic Achievement,” featured in a PBS Report about “Parent College,” a program whose goal is to increase rates of graduation for underprivileged students in the Los Angeles area. The program focuses on the parents of underprivileged students, teaching them how to steer their children toward higher education. Dr. Parcel’s research indicates that the parent-student bond formed around school work can make a substantial difference on academic achievement.

To learn more about the PBS Report, read “LA schools use ‘Parent College’ as tool to boost student achievement” or watch the report “Parents study up on how to improve college prospects for their children.”

To access Dr. Parcel’s study: Dufur, Mikaela J., Toby L. Parcel, and Kelly P. Troutman. 2013. “Does Capital at Home Matter More Than Capital at School? Social Capital Effects on Academic Achievement.” Research in Social Stratification and Mobility 31: 1-21.