Investigating the Effects of Parental Involvement in Education: A Case Study of Sada Schools in Whittlesea, South Africa

Nolufefe Mpatane ORCID iD & Owen Madalambana ORCID iD 

Issue: Vol. 6  No. 12 2025 Article 20 pp.1502 – 1512
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.202561220| Published online 30th December, 2025.

© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Views: 97
52 Downloads

DOWNLOAD PDF

This article investigated the effects of parental involvement in education, focusing on Sada schools in Whittlesea, South Africa. Guided by Epstein’s Framework of Parental Involvement, a qualitative case study approach was employed, involving interviews with members of the School Management Team (SMT), teachers, learners, and parents. The findings revealed that parental involvement significantly improves learner academic performance, motivation, and behavior. The article also uncovered several barriers, including parental illiteracy, work commitments, substance abuse, and a lack of confidence, which negatively affect involvement. Furthermore, the lack of communication between schools and parents contributes to limited engagement. To address these challenges, participants recommended improved communication strategies, flexible meeting schedules, parental workshops, and the creation of a welcoming school environment. The article concludes that while parental involvement is a critical factor in learner success, it remains limited due to socio-economic and institutional barriers. Schools must adopt inclusive, community-oriented approaches that empower parents to participate fully in their children’s education. The article contributes to the broader understanding of family-school partnerships and offers practical recommendations for enhancing learner outcomes through strengthened parental engagement.

Keywords: Parental Involvement, Learner Achievement, School-Parent Partnership.

Creswell, John W, and J David Creswell. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage publications, 2017.

Desforges, Charles, and Alberto Abouchaar. The Impact of Parental Involvement, Parental Support and Family Education on Pupil Achievement and Adjustment: A Literature Review. Vol. 433. DfES London, 2003.

Epstein, J. L. School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools. Westview Press, 2001.

Epstein, Joyce. School, Family, and Community Partnerships, Student Economy Edition: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools. Routledge, 2018.

Epstein, Joyce L. “School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools.” Adolescence-San Diego- 37 (2002): 435.

Govender, Roshnee. “Exploring School-Level Strategies for Enhancing Parental Involvement in Under-Resourced South African Schools.”  South African Journal of Education 42, no. 2 (2022): 1–12.

Govender, Thandeka. Bridging the Gap: School-Family Partnerships in South African Primary Education. Johannesburg: Education Press SA, 2022.

Hornby, Garry, and Rayleen Lafaele. “Barriers to Parental Involvement in Education: An Explanatory Model.” Educational Review 63, no. 1 (February 2011): 37–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2010.488049.

———. “Barriers to Parental Involvement in Education: An Explanatory Model.” In Mapping the Field, 121–36. Routledge, 2023.

Jeynes, William. “A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Different Types of Parental Involvement Programs for Urban Students.” Urban Education 47, no. 4 (2012): 706–42.

Lemmer, Eleanor M. “Parent Involvement in Teacher Education in South Africa.” International Journal about Parents in Education 1, no. 1 (2007).

Makgopa, Malesela, and Matseliso L. Mokhele. “Teachers’ Perceptions of Parental Involvement in Schooling.” International Journal of Humanities and Social Science 3, no. 16 (2013): 123–33.

Mncube, Vuzi. “The Perceptions of Parents of Their Role in the Democratic Governance of Schools in South Africa: Are They on Board?” South African Journal of Education 29, no. 1 (2009): 83–103.

Mokoena, Sipho. “The Impact of Parental Support on Rural Learner Achievement.” South African Journal of Education 42, no. 3 (2022): 255–68.

Mpofu, Nomsa, Lindiwe Sibanda, and Nqobile Dlodlo. “Policy-Practice Gaps in Parental Involvement: Challenges and Opportunities in South African Basic Education.”  Journal of Education Policy and Leadership 15, no. 1 (2023): 45–62.

Mpofu, Rudo, Zanele Khumalo, and Phumzile Ndlovu. “Parental Involvement Barriers in Disadvantaged Communities.” Education and Development Quarterly  19, no. 2 (2023): 115–30.

Naidoo, Prudence, and Bhekisisa Mhlanga. Reimagining Rural Education: Collaboration Between Schools and Homes. Cape Town: Learning Tree Publishers, 2023.

Republic of South Africa, Department of Basic Education. “ Policy on the South African Standard for Principalship: Enhancing the Professional Image and Competencies of School Principals.” Pretoria: Department of Basic Education, 2016. https://www.education.gov.za.

Sibanda, Lindiwe. “Rethinking Parental Involvement in South African Township Schools.” Perspectives in Education 38, no. 2 (2020): 132–45.

Voorhis, Frances L Van, Michelle F Maier, Joyce L Epstein, and Chrishana M Lloyd. “The Impact of Family Involvement on the Education of Children Ages 3 to 8: A Focus on Literacy and Math Achievement Outcomes and Social-Emotional Skills.” Mdrc, 2013.

Vos, A.S. De, H. Strydom, C.B. Fouché, and Delport C.S.L. Research at Grass Roots: For the Social Sciences and Human Service Professions. 4th ed. Pretoria: Van Schalk, 2011.

Zulu, Nomsa, and Thabiso Dlamini. “Community Engagement in Education: Case Studies from the Eastern Cape.” Journal of Educational Policy and Leadership 11, no. 1 (2024): 21–39.

Creswell, John W, and J David Creswell. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications, 2017.

Desforges, Charles, and Alberto Abouchaar. The Impact of Parental Involvement, Parental Support and Family Education on Pupil Achievement and Adjustment: A Literature Review. Vol. 433. DfES London, 2003.

Epstein, J. L. School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools. Westview Press, 2001.

Epstein, Joyce. School, Family, and Community Partnerships, Student Economy Edition: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools. Routledge, 2018.

Epstein, Joyce L. “School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools.” Adolescence-San Diego- 37 (2002): 435.

Govender, Roshnee. “Exploring School-Level Strategies for Enhancing Parental Involvement in Under-Resourced South African Schools.”  South African Journal of Education 42, no. 2 (2022): 1–12.

Govender, Thandeka. Bridging the Gap: School-Family Partnerships in South African Primary Education. Johannesburg: Education Press SA, 2022.

Hornby, Garry, and Rayleen Lafaele. “Barriers to Parental Involvement in Education: An Explanatory Model.” Educational Review 63, no. 1 (February 2011): 37–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2010.488049.

———. “Barriers to Parental Involvement in Education: An Explanatory Model.” In Mapping the Field, 121–36. Routledge, 2023.

Jeynes, William. “A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Different Types of Parental Involvement Programs for Urban Students.” Urban Education 47, no. 4 (2012): 706–42.

Lemmer, Eleanor M. “Parent Involvement in Teacher Education in South Africa.” International Journal about Parents in Education 1, no. 1 (2007).

Makgopa, Malesela, and Matseliso L. Mokhele. “Teachers’ Perceptions of Parental Involvement in Schooling.” International Journal of Humanities and Social Science 3, no. 16 (2013): 123–33.

Mncube, Vuzi. “The Perceptions of Parents of Their Role in the Democratic Governance of Schools in South Africa: Are They on Board?” South African Journal of Education 29, no. 1 (2009): 83–103.

Mokoena, Sipho. “The Impact of Parental Support on Rural Learner Achievement.” South African Journal of Education 42, no. 3 (2022): 255–68.

Mpofu, Nomsa, Lindiwe Sibanda, and Nqobile Dlodlo. “Policy-Practice Gaps in Parental Involvement: Challenges and Opportunities in South African Basic Education.”  Journal of Education Policy and Leadership 15, no. 1 (2023): 45–62.

Mpofu, Rudo, Zanele Khumalo, and Phumzile Ndlovu. “Parental Involvement Barriers in Disadvantaged Communities.” Education and Development Quarterly  19, no. 2 (2023): 115–30.

Naidoo, Prudence, and Bhekisisa Mhlanga. Reimagining Rural Education: Collaboration Between Schools and Homes. Cape Town: Learning Tree Publishers, 2023.

Republic of South Africa, Department of Basic Education. “ Policy on the South African Standard for Principalship: Enhancing the Professional Image and Competencies of School Principals.” Pretoria: Department of Basic Education, 2016. https://www.education.gov.za.

Sibanda, Lindiwe. “Rethinking Parental Involvement in South African Township Schools.” Perspectives in Education 38, no. 2 (2020): 132–45.

Voorhis, Frances L Van, Michelle F Maier, Joyce L Epstein, and Chrishana M Lloyd. “The Impact of Family Involvement on the Education of Children Ages 3 to 8: A Focus on Literacy and Math Achievement Outcomes and Social-Emotional Skills.” Mdrc, 2013.

Vos, A.S. De, H. Strydom, C.B. Fouché, and Delport C.S.L. Research at Grass Roots: For the Social Sciences and Human Service Professions. 4th ed. Pretoria: Van Schalk, 2011.

Zulu, Nomsa, and Thabiso Dlamini. “Community Engagement in Education: Case Studies from the Eastern Cape.” Journal of Educational Policy and Leadership 11, no. 1 (2024): 21–39.

Nolufefe Mpatane is a qualified teacher by profession and a Master of Education student at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa. This work marks the first publication on DHET-accredited platforms, reflecting a strong commitment to educational research and professional growth, with practical classroom experience and a passion for advancing teaching and learning. Her research interest is grounded in Education Leadership and Management, with a focus on improving educational practice and contributing meaningfully to the field of education.

Owen Madalambana is currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa. His research interest cednters around Education Leadership and Management. As an emerging scholar, he has successfully published some papers in DHET-accredited platforms, that is journals and conferfence proceedings. Engaging in research supervision has been proven byh successfully graduating postgraduate students for both Hons and Master’s programs and currently involved in supervising varying cohort of Hons, Master’s and Doctoral students.

Mpatane, Nolufefe, and Owen Madalambana. “Investigating the Effects of Parental Involvement in Education: A Case Study of Sada Schools in Whittlesea, South Africa.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology  6, no. 12 (2025): 1502 – 1512. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.202561220.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Articles in this Issue

About Journal