RUAHA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

This study investigates the strategies used by school heads in engaging parents in the management of ward secondary schools in Namtumbo. The study was guided by the system theory of management. Questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions were used to collect data. Data were analyzed through content techniques and statistical analysis in which frequencies and mean descriptions were obtained. The findings of the study indicate that school heads employed different strategies in engaging parents in managing ward secondary schools. These strategies include the use of teacher parent associations, students‟ diaries and written communication to parents, parent school meetings and home visitation. The study concludes that lack of explicit policy to guide schools in engaging parents in managing ward secondary schools do not prevent them in engaging parents in the management of schools. They employ different strategies as presented above. The ability to use the strategies vary across schools. The study recommends that the training to school heads prior to their office resumption should be conducted. Training should essentially focus on empowering the school heads with the knowledge and skills of engaging parents in school affairs. Laws and regulations to guide the formation and functioning of TPAs in ward secondary schools should be made by the central government in Tanzania.

Ward Secondary Schools, Parents Involvements, School Heads, Strategies and School management.