Implications of parents-teachers’ associations’ participation in the administration of public primary schools in Nakigo Sub-County, Iganga District

Abstract

This study examined the implications of PTA participation in the administration of six selected Public Primary Schools in Nakigo Sub-County, Iganga District. Its objectives were to establish the PTA members’ Level of knowledge of their roles and those of the Head Teachers in the administration of the selected schools; how PTA’s work was recognized by Head Teachers in the selected Schools and challenges that affect Administration of those Schools as a consequence of PTAs’ participation. The study employed a descriptive survey design, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, that is, data was collected by use of questionnaires, for quantitative, while for qualitative, data was collected through interview guides. A sample size of 129 out of 200 was used to obtain responses from Head Teachers, teachers, PTA Chairpersons and the District Education Officials in Iganga District. The data obtained from the questionnaires and the responses got from the interviews were analysed using percentages and frequency in Chapter Four. The findings established that PTA members were not aware of both their roles and those of the Head Teachers in the administration of their respective schools because they lacked orientation. It was also established that the Head Teachers’ recognition of PTAs’ work was implied in transfers of Head Teachers and teachers, failure to fulfill pledges by some members of the PTAs, and dodging meetings which are organized to enhance development initiatives in the schools. Furthermore, the study established that Challenges that affect administration of Public Primary Schools in Nakigo Sub-County normally manifest themselves in form of PTAs’ shortcomings in the performance of their roles, Head Teachers’ ineptitude, conflicts between PTA members and Head Teachers, and District Officials’ failure to effectively execute their roles. The study, therefore, recommends that: Head Teachers, in conjunction with the District Education Officials, should orientate PTAs and their committees to their roles and responsibilities; Government should impress it upon the District Education Officials to desist from bowing down to pressures or undue influence from PTAs when transferring Head Teachers and teachers but, instead, follow their professional dictates and Guidelines from the Ministry of Education and Sports; and, finally, Government should avail more facilitation to the District Education Offices, by way of increased funding, to enable the responsible officers perform their supervisory duties more effectively. These include organizing regular Training sessions and Workshops for Head Teachers to awaken them to the demands and expectations of their offices, in addition to their routine supervisory duties.