Over the last four decades, considerable research has been done comparing the relative achievement in mathematics by students in the United States and Japan. The current study focuses on one possible factor influencing student achievement: parental influence. The researcher interviewed a small group of teachers in the two countries regarding their insights into this phenomenon. While the literature reviewed seems to support the idea that Japanese students are more likely to be influenced by parent expectations, the current study found that in both countries, teachers perceived that parental beliefs influenced students. Further, findings suggest that the American parents in the present study have lower expectations than their Japanese counterparts. Finally, the present study also suggests that some Japanese parents are beginning to lower their expectations from expectations that have historically been high. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]