MP’s Education Gap: 75% Parents Unaware of School Committees
TINA KHATRI
Only 43% of schools in Madhya Pradesh have active Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and less than 40% of these conduct meetings regularly. Furthermore, just 25% of parents are aware of PTAs in their children’s schools, while attendance at PTA meetings stands at less than 1%.
These figures from ground-level report of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Madhya Pradesh conducted by Samarthan centre.
Under the Madhya Pradesh Jan Shiksha Niyam, 2003, schools are mandated to form PTAs that meet monthly and include broad community representation. However, recent assessments show only 0.81% of parents attended PTA meetings in the previous six months, with less than 27% even aware such associations exist at their schools.
National education programs emphasize parental involvement through PTAs and School Management Committees (SMCs). Yet evaluations report that only half of parents are aware of such bodies, and less than 20% actively participate, with engagement especially low in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Several factors contribute to this persistent underperformance in Madhya Pradesh: low parental literacy and awareness; tokenistic formation of PTAs with minimal genuine involvement; inadequate training of educators and parents in collaborative practices; communication challenges including technological gaps; and insufficient monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
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Why Strengthening Parent-School Collaboration is Necessary
“Effective collaboration between parents and schools plays a crucial role in enhancing student learning, attendance, and overall development. Research across educational contexts shows that students perform better academically and socially when their parents are actively involved in their education. This involvement helps bridge gaps between home and school environments, creating a supportive ecosystem for children.”
— UK Jha, CBSE coordinator
“In Madhya Pradesh, where many schools serve rural and marginalized populations, the need for parent engagement is particularly urgent. Low literacy levels, economic hardships, and lack of awareness often limit parental participation, which in turn affects children's motivation, discipline, and access to school resources.”
— Geeta Taneja, Principal, Vidyalanjali International School, Indore
“Moreover, parents who understand school curricula, policies, and challenges are better positioned to support their children’s learning at home and advocate for improvements within the school system. They can provide valuable feedback on teaching quality, infrastructure, and student welfare, making schools more accountable and responsive.”
— Bhavna Pujari, Principal, Vidyasagar School, Indore
“Strong parent-school partnerships also contribute to reducing dropout rates, improving attendance, and identifying students facing learning difficulties or social issues early. This collaborative approach supports not just academic success but the emotional and psychological well-being of students.”
— Suja Mathews, Principal, SICA School
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CBSE to Host Webinar on Strengthening Parent-School Collaboration
On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM IST, CBSE will conduct a webinar specifically designed for principals and heads of schools. The session will focus on “Strengthening Parent-School Collaboration: Existing Practices.”
The expert panel includes Anuradha Joshi, Principal of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Delhi, who will provide the context setting, along with Rekha Krishnan, Principal of Vasant Valley School, Delhi, and Minakshi Kushwaha, Principal of Birla Vidya Niketan, Delhi.
Key topics to be discussed are the importance of building strong partnerships between parents and schools, effective communication strategies, maximizing the impact of meetings such as orientations, Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), and counselor sessions, and implementing inclusive practices to support all students.
________________________________________
TINA KHATRI
Only 43% of schools in Madhya Pradesh have active Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and less than 40% of these conduct meetings regularly. Furthermore, just 25% of parents are aware of PTAs in their children’s schools, while attendance at PTA meetings stands at less than 1%.
These figures from ground-level report of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Madhya Pradesh conducted by Samarthan centre.
Under the Madhya Pradesh Jan Shiksha Niyam, 2003, schools are mandated to form PTAs that meet monthly and include broad community representation. However, recent assessments show only 0.81% of parents attended PTA meetings in the previous six months, with less than 27% even aware such associations exist at their schools.
National education programs emphasize parental involvement through PTAs and School Management Committees (SMCs). Yet evaluations report that only half of parents are aware of such bodies, and less than 20% actively participate, with engagement especially low in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Several factors contribute to this persistent underperformance in Madhya Pradesh: low parental literacy and awareness; tokenistic formation of PTAs with minimal genuine involvement; inadequate training of educators and parents in collaborative practices; communication challenges including technological gaps; and insufficient monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
________________________________________
Why Strengthening Parent-School Collaboration is Necessary
“Effective collaboration between parents and schools plays a crucial role in enhancing student learning, attendance, and overall development. Research across educational contexts shows that students perform better academically and socially when their parents are actively involved in their education. This involvement helps bridge gaps between home and school environments, creating a supportive ecosystem for children.”
— UK Jha, CBSE coordinator
“In Madhya Pradesh, where many schools serve rural and marginalized populations, the need for parent engagement is particularly urgent. Low literacy levels, economic hardships, and lack of awareness often limit parental participation, which in turn affects children's motivation, discipline, and access to school resources.”
— Geeta Taneja, Principal, Vidyalanjali International School, Indore
“Moreover, parents who understand school curricula, policies, and challenges are better positioned to support their children’s learning at home and advocate for improvements within the school system. They can provide valuable feedback on teaching quality, infrastructure, and student welfare, making schools more accountable and responsive.”
— Bhavna Pujari, Principal, Vidyasagar School, Indore
“Strong parent-school partnerships also contribute to reducing dropout rates, improving attendance, and identifying students facing learning difficulties or social issues early. This collaborative approach supports not just academic success but the emotional and psychological well-being of students.”
— Suja Mathews, Principal, SICA School
________________________________________
CBSE to Host Webinar on Strengthening Parent-School Collaboration
On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM IST, CBSE will conduct a webinar specifically designed for principals and heads of schools. The session will focus on “Strengthening Parent-School Collaboration: Existing Practices.”
The expert panel includes Anuradha Joshi, Principal of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Delhi, who will provide the context setting, along with Rekha Krishnan, Principal of Vasant Valley School, Delhi, and Minakshi Kushwaha, Principal of Birla Vidya Niketan, Delhi.
Key topics to be discussed are the importance of building strong partnerships between parents and schools, effective communication strategies, maximizing the impact of meetings such as orientations, Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), and counselor sessions, and implementing inclusive practices to support all students.
________________________________________