Factors influencing parental involvement in the education of their children in selected public secondary schools in Kitwe district.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing parental involvement in the education of their children in selected public secondary schools in Kitwe district. The objectives of the study were to identify factors influencing parental involvement in the education of their children in selected secondary schools in Kitwe district. Find out barriers affecting parental involvement in the education of their children in selected secondary schools in Kitwe district. The study also sought to identify strategies which can be used for an improved parental involvement in the education of their children in selected secondary schools in Kitwe district. The research design is descriptive and mixed method approach- both qualitative and quantitative for data collection and analysis. The study used semi-structured interview guide for head teachers, questionnaires for teachers and PTC members, focus group discussion for parents. While Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows and Microsoft Excel. It was then presented using distribution tables, bar and clustered graphs. While qualitative data was in the form of explanation as themes emerged. The findings of the study were that the performance of the children and behavior of the children might drive parents to involve themselves in the learning of the children. Further, busy schedules level of education and importance of education might hinder parental involvement. Strategies which might be employed for an improved parental involvement include sensitizations on the importance of parental involvement, conducting regular meetings and conducting termly open days. The study further demonstrated that sometimes teachers’ attitudes and at times, parents’ own inadequacies negatively affected effective parent-teacher partnerships. The study recommended that the schools should use various mechanisms and strategies besides meetings in order to promote parental involvement practice. Issues of parental involvement should be included in the teacher training curriculum either as pre or in-service training. This would assist in equipping teachers and school administrators with skills and positive attitude needed in enhancing parental involvement in education.