THE Parents Teachers Association (PTA) as it is popularly known is an organization in school, the main purpose of which is to serve as link to the school, the parents and other stakeholders. It is an organization that if properly work on its mandate can be a potent force in providing the schools with ease in various aspects of governance as support to curriculum implementation.
In other country, PTA, is a huge and very influential nationwide organization with state and local affiliates throughout the country. In the US, the national PTA is headquartered in Chicago and promotes parent involvement in school communities. It is also a powerful lobbying organization in state legislatures and in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of students and schools.
Here in the Philippines, schools with a strong and active PTA organizations spell the difference compared to those with schools that do not have one and if there is such, they are just passive and exist only for the sake of having one.
Many successful stories of struggles of beginning schools thrived because of the all out support of the PTA who work directly in the school. What makes the matter very fulfilling for the parents is that they are doing things for the sake of their own children.
Instead of looking into things they may not get well with the school administration, faculty and staff, why not find those which they can agree for the good and benefit of their children.
It is a give and take process but the DepEd issuances shall prevail in all aspects of governance involving the PTA. It shall not be the other way around. The PTA shall, in all cases confer with the school heads or his/her designated PTA coordinator in matters concerning its existence, policies and rules and all the parameters to be considered.
PTA shall not only be relevant if they are asked to help resolve problems in school but must also be a part of a governing council to plan for the betterment of the school and its community because it will boil down again to the fact that their own children’s welfare is at stake here.
It is better to look for things they can agree to do than looking for issues that they will disagree. We disagree to agree in the end is a better way to solve even the simplest problem rather than looking for loopholes which may be solved if properly addressed. Trust and commitment for each other’s existence can be a very important factors to consider.
This Corner is looking forward that with the new set of PTA officers, they will be even more active, committed and supportive of all the programs and projects of DepEd in particular but the national government in general.