"No school can work well for children if parents and teachers do not act in partnership on behalf of the children's best interests." -Dorothy H. Cohen

To make education work for children of all ages, the parents need to be involved. Mothers and fathers should care about their child's academic success and assist them during homework assignments, projects, and other coursework that they bring home. Since so much of a child's development takes place outside the traditional classroom and in the home, teachers need to collaborate with parents so that they can both be on the same page and achieve the same goal with their child/student: a well-rounded, educated, and respectable person.

However, it's important to state that apart from the occasional parent-teacher night, there aren't many opportunities for mothers, fathers, and educators to meet and discuss the potential of their children/students. So, what's the solution? Parent Teacher Associations.

Without further ado, in today's article, we're going to analyse the ins and outs of PTAs and why they are so beneficial for students, teachers, and parents.

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What is a Parent-Teacher Association?

child learning development
It's a parent's responsibility to have an active interest in their child's learning career. (Source: Unsplash)

Although most parents will have probably heard of Parent Teacher Associations, not everyone may be aware of what exactly they are and what they do. So, what is a Parent Teacher Association? Known by their acronym, PTA, Parent Teacher Associations are non-profit organisations that work with schools and the wider community to provide support and a voice for all parents.

PTAs help parents to see that they must take a forward approach in the educational process of their son or daughter. 

Basically, the main point of a Parent Teacher Association is to provide a middle ground between teaching staff and parents. At PTA meetings, a forum for parents to voice concerns or ideas is created. And, as most parents and educators are well aware, communication between parents and teachers is crucial for the successful running of schools in local communities.

But, how does one join a PTA? Let's find out in the following subheading!

How Can I Join a Parent-Teacher Association?

Are you wanting to be more involved in the learning experience of your child? Do you want your son or daughter to have the best education and access to things that weren't available to you? If so, we highly recommend joining a Parent-Teacher Association. But, how can that be done?

Well, it's worth mentioning that in most schools in the UK, just being a parent at a certain school makes you a member of a PTA. However, that doesn't mean you're active. Being an active member means actually going to the PTA meetings. At the organized meetings, parents can provide suggestions, take part in fundraisers, and get involved with community entities that will make the world of education a better place.

If you know of a parent at your child's local school that is regularly involved in PTA meetings, simply ask them when their next meeting is and join; it's really that simple!

What are the Pros and Cons of Parent-Teacher Associations?

reading with Dad
Educating children takes time but PTAs provide great advice on how to do so. (Source: Unsplash)

Though you might have heard various times how helpful and beneficial parent-teacher associations are for students, teachers, and parents, what exactly are the advantages? Also, are there any cons to attending and being part of PTAs? Let's answer both of those questions!

What are the Benefits of PTAs?

If you're still undecided about joining a PTA or not, we highly recommend considering the pros in the following list:

  • PTAs Keep the Lines of Communication Open: Parent Teacher Associates hold an Annual General Meeting that anyone can contribute to, coordinate the production of school newsletters and work on keeping the lines of communication between teachers, parents and the wider community open.
  • It Improves Pastoral Care: there are many diverse students in schools with diverse needs and capabilities and as hard as a school tries to meet the needs of all pupils, it is a massive job. Therefore PTAs support schools’ efforts by organising regular parent-led discussions on relevant topics and issues, providing a means for parents to voice both general and specific concerns as well as any opinions and ideas. The importance of the health, fitness and mental well-being of pupils cannot be underestimated and directly involving parents in this conversation allows the school every opportunity to be successful in its duty of care.
  • PTAs Raise Money to Spend on Extras: PTAs collect a ‘wish list’ of ideas from the Board/Principal/Staff, at the start of the year and then together decide which extras should take priority. These extras may come in the form of enriching social events, facilities to improve health and fitness, building improvements or learning resources to make lessons more varied and dynamic. Naturally, what the funds are spent on will depend on the school in question and the needs of the children.
  • PTAs Provide a Neutral Forum: Parent Teacher Associations also serve as a way to mediate debates between parents and teachers over sensitive or controversial issues. Because it is an autonomous body, it provides an unbiased forum for everyone’s opinions, concerns and ideas to be taken into account.
  • PTAs Place Emphasis on Collaboration: PTAs strive to build and maintain relationships and partnerships with organisations and individuals in the wider community, in order to enhance learning and allow the school to improve and progress.

While the advantages are all fine and dandy? Are there any drawbacks to being part of PTAs? Let's consider some of the cons.

The Potential Disadvantages of PTAs

caught making food
While the purpose of PTAs is to educate children and have an active interest in their learning, if not careful, it can become a social event with people preparing food more than helping their children. (Source: Unsplash)

In the moments that you watch your favourite television sitcom, you've probably heard mothers and fathers scoffing at the idea of joining PTA meetings. And, why's that? Well, because they aren't always fun and productive. Take a look at the following list:

  • PTAs Require Much Time: being a parent isn't always easy and requires a lot of hard work and effort. When you join the PTA to the list of duties, you get even busier. PTAs are notorious for requiring a lot of time from parents to volunteer at events and help out with fundraisers. Weeknight evenings and weekends slowly get booked up!
  • PTAs Can Feel Overwhelming: when you join the PTA as a parent it can at first feel like a great idea, but then over time, it can feel overwhelming. Of course, the main focus of the PTA is the school and children but, slowly, things pile up and you're being assigned to volunteer at an event or bring desserts to the next meeting.
  • PTAs Encourage Helicopter Parenting: some parents who are part of a Parent Teacher Association take their involvement too far and this turns into the dreaded "helicopter parent." PTAs create these monster parents that take over the conversation and think that they know what's best for their child, more than the teachers. Being overly involved can lead to stepping in too frequently to deal with issues the child should handle by themself with the assistance of classmates or other teachers.

There you have it, a list of both the pros and cons of Parent Teacher Associations. This will help give you a balanced view of what to expect and whether or not you want to be a part of a PTA.

All in all, it's worth stating that, indeed, the benefits of PTAs have been proven. As the Parent Teacher Association website states, “More than 85 research studies conducted over the past 30 years prove that kids do better when parents are involved. Grades are higher. Test scores improve. Attendance increases.” Therefore, of course, it makes perfect sense that parents being encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s education should boost grades and children’s attitudes towards school.

In conclusion, Altogether, if parents and teachers utilise their school’s PTA well, the organisation can definitely enhance the quality of the school and the education the pupils receive. Hooray for PTAs!

 

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Brentyn

Avid movie-goer, reader, skier and language learner. Passionate about life, food and travelling.