School-parent partnerships in for student learning in selected private basic schools in Greater Accra, Ghana

Abstract

The study explores the dynamics of school-parent partnerships in selected private basic schools within the Greater Accra, Ghana. Parental involvement is widely recognized as critical to enhancing students’ academic performance and holistic development. However, in many private schools in urban areas, parental disengagement remains a significant challenge. The study aims to investigate the underlying causes of this disengagement and to identify effective strategies to foster active parental involvementin the educational process. A qualitative research design was adopted, utilizing Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as the guiding framework. Data were collected from two private basic schools in Accra through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires involving parents, teachers, and school administrators. The study employed purposive sampling to select participants who could provide in-depth insights into the phenomenon of parental disengagement. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify and interpret patterns and themes emerging from the data. The results indicate that several interrelated factors, including socioeconomic constraints, cultural beliefs, demanding work schedules, and insufficient communication between schools and families influence parental disengagement. Many parents feel disconnected from the school environment due to these challenges, leading to reduced participation in school activities and limited support for their children’s learning at home. Existing strategies, such as Parent-Teacher Associations and school newsletters, have had limited success in overcoming these barriers. The discussion highlights the need for schools to adopt more inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to engage parents. It suggests that existing strategies must be re-evaluated and tailored to address better the specific needs and circumstances of families in these urban private schools. The study concludes that strengthening school-parent partnerships is essential for improving student outcomes. It recommends the development of comprehensive engagement policies that include the integration of technology for communication, the creation of flexible participation opportunities, and the establishment of stronger community-school partnerships to support and empower parents in their role as key stakeholders in their children’s education.