The Partnership Between School Leaders and Parents: Views of Solomon Islands Parents

Abstract

Effective communication and the building and sustaining of a positive relationship on trust and respect are important aspects influencing the nexus between the school and the parents. It is, therefore, very important that schools create an atmosphere in which parents feel valued and respected. This study investigated the views of parents regarding the partnership between themselves and the school leaders of their children’s primary schools in Solomon Islands. The research was conducted qualitatively by the use of a semi-structured interview guide to facilitate discussion with the participants. The research fieldwork was carried out in Solomon Islands with six parents from six different primary schools in Honiara city and Guadalcanal Province. The parents of this study highlighted some factors that inhibit the building of relationship and of trust between schools and the parents. These include the lack of on-going communication from schools about children’s learning progress and school developments and a lack of transparency from school leaders about the use of school funds and parents’ financial constraints. Parents of this study also suggested recommendations that they want to see their school leaders implement, to include sharing in decision-making, greater transparency, and effective communication between the school and parents.