Research Context and Rationale on Researcher-Made Module: Tool to Empower Parents-Teachers’ Association in Bilay Elementary School
The involvement of Parents and Teachers’ Association (PTA) in the educational system among schools in the globe has resulted in positive outcomes over the years. Parents are vital partners in education. They influence their children’s attitudes about learning. They are a vital link between home and school. And when they become involved in the life of the school, they make the schools better places to learn, grow and thrive. Community organizations are known to contribute success in schools as these provide an extensive repertoire of practices for change leaders (Shirley, 2009).
Parental involvement is a combination of commitment and active participation on the part of the parent to the school and to the student. There are many problems concerned with involvement. Parents feel unwelcomed at school, lack knowledge and education, and may not feel that education is important. There are many reasons from the parent and also from the school for this lack of involvement. One of the reasons concerns the lack of understanding of nontraditional families on the part of the school system. The nontraditional family is struggling to deal with many factors that affect every member of the family. These can definitely affect the way that the family is able to be involved in the student’s education. More than likely, there is a shortage of time. There just simply are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything.
Under the same Department Order, as an organization operating in the school, the PTA shall adhere to all existing policies and implementing guidelines issued or hereinafter may be issued by the Department of Education. The PTA shall serve as support group and as a significant partner of the school whose relationship shall be defined by cooperative and open dialogue to promote the welfare of the students where parents of students work together with the teachers to volunteer in classes to create projects (GreatSchools Staff 2015) which leads to creating conducive atmosphere to give quality education for developing life-long learners.
Schools must understand that lack of participation by parents does not necessarily mean they are neglecting their responsibilities. They simply may not have the time, resources, or know-how to help out (Wanat, p. 47). Parents often do not feel welcomed at school. They feel that what they may have to offer is unimportant and unappreciated. Also, parents may not believe that they have any knowledge that the school is interested in knowing. This is especially true when the parent may not have a great deal of education (Dixon, 1992; Vandergrift & Greene, 1992). On the other hand, Bilay Elementary School observed that there are only 20% of the total population of PTA members who are aware of their functions as well as to their obligations and developed impeding results to not actively participate school’s activities and programs.
This study may generate body of knowledge regarding the essence and involvement of PTA towards school processes and activities where evidenced-based results served as the inputs to empower PTA as an integral part of any school organizations as a whole. However, new ways for increasing parental involvement can always be discovered. Additional research and information in this area can do nothing but help all concerned.
