ASSESSING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL MANAGEMENT: A CASE OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS WITHIN SAGNARIGU MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This study set out to examine community participation in school management at junior high schools in the Sagnarigu Municipality. It assessed the overall effectiveness of SMCs in school governance within the municipality. The study is grounded in the theoretical framework of Community Participation Theory, which advocates for the active involvement of community members in the decision-making process, problem-solving, and the development of initiatives that influence outcomes. An interpretivism paradigm, under the qualitative approach and a case study design was adopted to analyse the experiences from the participants of the study. Face-to-face, in depth interviews were used to gather data from the 16 participants sampled for the study. The data collected were analyzed using the deductive thematic analytical method. The study revealed that SMCs are active in monitoring, supervision, and evaluation of school performance. It also found that SMCs engage in various functions, such as participation, accountability and resource management for the schools. However, the study identified significant challenges, including some members' poor understanding of their roles and responsibilities. It further revealed that the lack of role clarity among members leads to a diminished sense of ownership and commitment in school management, thereby affecting their effectiveness. Recommendations of the study include the following: the Ghana Education Service (GES) should provide continuous training and capacity building opportunities for SMC members to enhance their understanding of their roles and commitment to school management. Additionally, school managers should ensure the selection of qualified community members as SMC members in the Junior High Schools in the Municipality.