Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Management)
The research comprises the management of parental involvement in the extra-curricular
program ofthe secondary school. In chapter one the problem that gave rise to the research is
formulated as follows; In spite of the corporate idea of "partnership in education," parental
involvement in the extra- curricular program tends to be virtually non-existent. With regard to
this problem, the following question is posed: How should the educational leader (school
principal) act to ensure successful parental involvement in the extra-curricular program of the
school? Research is hence directed with the following objectives:
* to provide fundamental pedagogic grounds for parental involvement
* to analyse the management task ofthe principal in this regard, and
* to provide practical guidelines for the implementation ofa parental involvement program.
The methods applied to obtain the aims of the research are a literature study and the
formulation of tendencies formed from unstructured personal interviews with principals. The
field of study is limited to defining the responsibilities and input ofparents in said program. In
chapters two, three and four each of the above mentioned research objectives are examined
respectively. The focus of research in chapter two is set on the argument that parental
involvement is principally based on:
* the acceptance of the fact that parents are the primary educators of their children
* parents will have a say in the education and instruction of their children in terms of the
baptismal vows, and
* education is a community task and therefore justifies parental involvement.
In chapter three the headmaster's obligation to manage the parental involvement program in
such a way that optimal parental participation is achieved, is researched.
Chapter four indicates the various possibilities of parental involvement and practical guidelines
are given for the possible implementation and coordination of such a program.
Opportunities for parental involvement and participation in the extra-curricular activities of a
school are plentiful. The competent headmaster must,' by showing a positive attitude towards
the above mentioned program and applying purposeful management skills, ensure successful
. parental involvement. This involvement must be to the benefit ofall children!