Role of parents in school management: A focus on decision making and accountability in resource provision in pre-primary schools in Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

There is a link between availability of resources and quality of education in schools. This is because children who are exposed to sufficient resources in schools develop positive self-concept and perform better in all curricular areas. This study was designed to explore the influence of parents’ involvement in decision making by the school boards of management on the adequacy of resources in pre-primary schools in Embu County. The study was guided by Systems theory of management. The dependent variable was adequacy of resources in pre-primary schools, while the independent variables were involvement of parents in decision making process and accountability of school management to parents. Results from data analysis revealed that resources available in most of the pre-primary schools were inadequate. It was also apparent that parental involvement in decision making process and accountability of school management on use of resources influenced the adequacy of resources in pre-primary schools.