A Survey on Methods of Enhancing the Function of Parent- Teacher Association (A Case Study on Parent-Teacher Association of Khorasan Razavi Province

This research which is based on theoretical and empirical arguments aims at showing that parental participation in the meetings of Parent-Teacher Association under the effect of some factors is at structure and agency level. This study was conducted in the form of a survey using semi-structured interviews with parents and professionals to understand more thoroughly the barriers to the participation of parents. The sample included 47 parents and 21 authorities and managers of the schools. The result revealed that survey methods, management of meetings, notice of meetings, atmosphere of meetings, maintaining the respect of the teachers, the person invited to the meetings, the number of meetings, parental attitudes and trust in parent-teacher association activities affect parent's participation. Also, the increasing sense of responsibility and willingness to help others, the need to participate in the community and reduce social disappointment among parents were effective on their participation. Finally, a survey was conducted to propose appropriate solutions with a population including active, passive and semi-active parents, managers and teachers. The survey was conducted on a sample of 240 people through multi-stage cluster approach in three levels in Mashhad, Dargaz, Nishabour, Kohsorkh and Tabadkan.