Abstract:

This paper investigates the lived experiences and perceptions of a female high school principal regarding the extent of parental involvement in school systems. The school system encompasses procedures, practices, structures, and approaches which define schools. Schools headed by female principals are known to encourage parental involvement than create barriers in their quest to enhance and develop sustainably resilient pedagogies. An interpretive paradigm and qualitative research approach were employed in this study. Data were collected through an in-depth interview with a female principal at one disadvantaged school in the Lejweleputswa District of the Free State Province in South Africa. Results showed that the level of parents’ involvement in the education of their children is insignificant due to the inability of schools to communicate with the parents at the school principal level. The paper suggests the need for parents to support, particularly, the school management processes which would ensure the effectiveness of parental involvement in the education of their children.

Keywords:

Principal, women, parental involvement, school systems, Lejweleputswa, South Africa.