The Extent of Involvement of Parent Teacher Association in the Management of Primary Schools in Gaborone Broadhurst, Botswana

This study investigated the extent of Parent Teacher Associations’(PTA) involvement in the management of Broadhurst primary schools in Gaborone. To achieve this objective three research questions were developed. The study adopted a descriptive survey type of research design. A sample of 313 was drawn from the population of 1736 out of 8 primary schools in Broadhurst, Gaborone. A random sampling technique was used to select participants from parents and teachers. A structured questionnaire titled “Extent of PTA involvement in Primary School Management” was used for data collection. The instruments were validated by a panel of experts. A reliability coefficient of .76 was obtained from trial testing of parents and teachers rating of extent of PTA involvement in the management primary school. Data collected was analysed descriptively for means and standard deviations. The study indicated that PTA involvement in school management is low on issues of maintaining desirable behaviour in schools and fund raising activities. It is however significant (mean 2.52) which is above the criterion mean of 2.50 when it comes to improvement of academic performance. The study concluded that the PTA involvement in management of schools benefits learners as Gaborone region was rated among the best performing in Botswana. It was therefore recommended that policies and guidelines governing PTA should be developed by Ministry of Basic Education and Training to maximise the benefits of this collaboration.