<b>PERCEPTIONS OF PARENTS REGARDING THEIR </b><b>PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING RELATED TO THE </b><b>ACADEMIC AND </b><b>TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREPARATION OF </b><b>THEIR </b><b>CHILDREN’S </b><b>CAREER </b><b>PATHWAYS</b>

<p dir="ltr">The purpose of the study was to identify the causal factors that directly influence parents and guardians in their elementary school children’s career and academic decision-making. The educational landscape of schools is subject to constant change. Changes such as funding and educational policies dictated by governmental agencies can influence a local school district’s integration of curriculum and requirements. The study used a qualitative descriptive methods approach to identify and examine the perceptions of parents and guardians of urban adolescent 4^th graders on college-focused and CTE careers. The three-interview series protocol method enabled the exploration of parents’ perceptions of CTE, and<i> </i>academia and the factors influencing their involvement in pursuing CTE. It drew conclusions to reflect on how these parental involvement attitudes might affect the outcome of their children’s educational objectives. The results of the study indicated communication and information on educational choices that a school provides to its parents and guardians are influencing factors in decision-making. There was a lack of CTE pathway and career opportunities information that was available for parents and guardians in their academic decision-making process for their children. Cultural and ethnic backgrounds and expectations have led to the creation of notable academic choice barriers for parents and guardians. The findings and conclusions of the study implied the need for continual and intensified research on influential barriers. One of the barriers that were identified was the lack of CTE knowledge and program opportunities. This barrier influenced parental and guardian decisions about career and technical education programs.</p>