A study of parental participation in education through the school councils

Abstract

It is now widely recognised that there are many benefits to be gained from home - school collaboration - for parents, teachers and children alike. Despite this knowledge about its importance, very little is known about the number and variety of initiatives to increase parental involvement being pursued by schools in Malta. It was in order to fill this gap that this project was carried out. This study is meant to investigate whether School Councils in state primary schools are actually functioning as agents for greater parental participation in education. It also attempts to throw a light on the role of parents within these committees. The author examines the forms of parental involvement practiced in schools, and shows why in practice parental participation sometimes leads to mixed feelings and mixed results. The opinion of the parents sitting on School Councils was questioned through a survey - questionnaire and an interview. The findings help to explain some of the complex home - school relationships, and suggest ways in which current practice may be enhanced and developed. They will be of value to those wishing to bring about improvements in home - school interaction.