PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION – A BIG HELP IN SCHOOLS

Contributed by  Flordeliza R. Dionisio – Luakan National High School, Dinalupihan, Bataan

All schools want their students to succeed, but schools can only make a lasting difference when they focus on specific goals and strategies for change. 

One of the positive aspects that must be given attention and focus by the school manager is the school-community partnership. This partnership provides opportunities for community members to support the improvement of student learning. Their role is crucial in transforming our schools into a safe and conducive learning environment.

The ultimate objective of the process is to improve student levels by enhancing the way curriculum is delivered, by creating a positive environment for learning and increasing the degree to which parents are involved in their children’s learning at school and in the home.  Community partnership requires the weaving of school and community resources together in ways that can only be achieved through formalized and institutionalized linkages. Groups of stakeholders may be formally represented in a governance structure in the school system…

A Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) always exists in a school and its progress depends on the favorable attitude of teachers as well as the active participation of the parents. It is devoted to the educational welfare, interest and protection of children and youth through the cooperative efforts of the parents, teachers and community members.

The PTA is considered as the most influential organization because it operates in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the school and the Department of Education. It is an organization that protects the rights and interest of the parents, teachers as well as the pupils. Moreover, it focuses on the improvement of the school as well as in promoting quality education.

If properly organized and directed, the PTA can be a very potent organization in the improvement, development and welfare of children, not only in the school but in the community as well.  It is a vital force in linking the school to the public and in communicating the concerns to the schools. Not only does it provide financial support, but it also brings the school closer to the home so that parents and the teachers may cooperate intelligently in the development of the child. It will secure for every child the highest advantage in physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual aspects.

It has been observed that parents today have become rather detached from school affairs because they are deeply involved in other pursuits brought about by society, beset by such problems as urbanizations and automation. However, this should not in any sense mean that parents are no longer interested in school affairs. There are still many cases in which parents show their cooperation lively and intelligently in school. Undoubtedly, though the quality of relationship between parents and the school has changed because the teacher is a part-time parent, there is a need for cooperative planning of school-home relationship.

The attitude of parents towards their children is of extreme importance in this connection. Parents should know their children’s conditions in school, their performance and activities. So it is of utmost importance that parents should be involved in their children’s education through the Parent-Teacher Association.

Reference:     www. pbs. org.parents.