Stakeholders’ Perception on Parents Involvement in Management Systems of Private Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Sumbawanga District Council

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess parents’ perception on involvement in management systems of private secondary schools by using Sumbawanga Municipality as a case study. This study employed a survey research design. The sample size of this study was 155 respondents including 5 Heads of Schools, 5 members of the board of schools,20 parents 50 teachers, and 75 students from Sumbawanga Municipality. Interview, Focus Group Discussion, questionnaire and documentary review methods were used to collect data. The findings of the study identified two major aspects of parenting styles and frequency of communication as springboards for understanding parent involvement. Parents with encouraging parenting styles were found to be more engaged and adept in following academic, disciplinary and responsive to children demands as compared to commanding and liberalistic parenting style. Otherwise parents are involved in the management issues by communicating to the school teachers and Head of Schools. Basing on the study findings, the study recommended that schools should educate all stakeholders on various ways they can be involved and help in the management of the schools. Also, there is a need of government to establish proper model to involve the community in affairs of the schools, in order to address the societal needs, policy formulation matters on management of secondary schools should be all inclusive.