By:

Involvement of parents in school has received considerable attention from researchers and practitioners in education. However, the predominant focus of this collaborative endeavour has been on enhancement of academic achievement and not so much on holistic development of children. At a time when societies all over the world, particularly those in developing countries, are undergoing rapid transition, due to fast paced changes in industrial growth, decline of family as an institution, growing competition in society, spread of media, internet, information technology, all social institutions, particularly schools are under tremendous pressure. This is reflected in the rising indiscipline and violence, high rates of depression, anxiety, attempted suicides, unethical behaviour and conduct disorders in many urban schools. Measures to enforce more discipline and control put tremendous pressure on school authorities, teachers and children and often do not result in any effective improvement.

Based on empirical evidence, from several schools, present study highlights small but significant attempts by schools and parents which have successfully discovered constructive ways of coping with the changes affecting children adversely. The study highlights positive features of collaboration between schools, parents and community, conditions for creating such partnerships and possible challenges for school administrators and parents. Findings are interpreted from the perspective of innovations in schools and the nature of demands for school leaders which get generated due such initiatives. Implications of research for academics and practitioners are discussed.

Stream: Community, Culture, Globalisation

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Research interests are in innovations in education and educational organizations like schools and colleges, entrepreneurial opportunity in education sector, enhancing academic performance of the first generation learner and children coming from disadvantaged background and community involvement in educational process. Teaching interests are in the area of ‘Enterprise and Innovations in education’, ‘Communication and pedagogical approaches in management’ and interpersonal communication in business and industrial organizations. Has been a ‘Visiting Scholar’ at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. Developed and participated in management development programmes for principals of schools, colleges and other institutions of higher education.