Effective school governing bodies: parental involvement

Abstract

English: This article investigates how parents can best be involved in school governing bodies (SGBs). The study adopts a qualitative approach, using focus group interviews. The findings suggest that the context within which schools operate plays a major role in the effective functioning of SGBs. The latter are perceived to be fraught with corruption – usurping powers bestowed upon them – as well as with difficult power relations leading to exclusion of some parents. The study provides recommendations of how best parents can be involved in SGBs for the effective functioning of the school.

Afrikaans: Hierdie artikel ondersoek die beste vorm van ouerbetrokkenheid by skoolbeheerliggame (SBLe). Die studie maak gebruik van ’n kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode met behulp van fokusgroeponderhoude. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die konteks waarin skole funksioneer ’n belangrike rol speel in die doeltreffende funksionering van SBLe. SBLe word dikwels beskou as deurtrek van korrupsie – misbruikers van die bevoegdhede wat aan hulle verleen word. Voorts is SBLe vol ingewikkelde magsverhoudinge wat tot die uitsluiting van sommige ouers lei. Die studie beveel die beste manier aan vir ouers om by SBLe betrokke te raak vir die doeltreffende funksionering van die skool.