Thesis (Ed.D.)--Harvard University, 1999. / Title from screen (viewed on July 23, 2009). Includes vita. Graduate School of Education, Harvard University. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 257-270).

The voluntary association is a characteristic manifestation of social life in North America, and has always been regarded as a force for the preservation of democracy. The leadership of the voluntary association appears to be a crucial element in the survival of this form of organization, yet previous studies suggest that the voluntary association may no longer have the same significance for contemporary society as it did in the early history of the continent. This study is an exploration of the leadership of one voluntary organization in British Columbia, the British Columbia Parent-Teacher Federation. These leaders were asked how they perceived the goals and purposes of the organization, to which they give their time and energy. Thirteen members of the Board of Directors were interviewed to obtain information concerning the extent of their participation; why they joined the organization; their family constellations; where they live; and their perception of the contributions they make to the organization. Interviews were arranged with members of the Board selected on an arbitrary basis, with the permission and the cooperation of the President and the Board of Directors. The information that was obtained was used as the background material of the study. The limitations of the case study method are noted and the reader cautioned to examine the data critically. The findings of this study support the conclusions of other empirical investigations: with changes in other sectors of society and increased specialization of function, the role of the voluntary association in contemporary life appears to be blurred and requiring examination. Some of the possible reasons for these developments are outlined, and the relationship of the leaders to the voluntary association is explored. Finally the thesis suggests some questions for consideration and indicates some areas which might be investigated in future studies. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

The problem under consideration in this study is one having to do with an attempted analysis of the efficiency and worth of parent-teacher associations in the schools of North Texas.

The problem of this study is to analyze the reasons for attendance and lack of attendance at Parent-Teacher Association meetings of sixty selected parents of the Parent-Teacher Association in the Robert E. Lee School, Denton, Texas.

"It is the purpose of this study to present the organizational, operational, constitutional, and financial structures of eight junior high school band and music clubs of Tampa, Florida. A complete analysis and interpretation will be made of these structures. The following chapter will include the inner workings of these clubs"--Introduction. / "August, 1956." / Typescript. / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Education." / Advisor: Robert L. Briggs, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 75).

"It is within the framework of the objects of the Parent-Teacher Association that the writer of this paper has projected his thinking about what might be done to promote parent-teacher understanding. The main purpose to be served by the paper is, therefore, that of projecting a concrete plan toward improvement of the school through making proper use of the Parent-Teacher Association Local Unit. At Cherry Lake School, it appears that the Local Unit of the Parent-Teacher Association has not met in full its first obligation, viz., to project a program for building real understanding among the parents and teachers concerned. Without attempting to fix blame on either parents or teachers, the writer, within the limits of the paper, will analyze the situation briefly and project in as concrete a form as is possible the next steps that might be taken. In other words, the focus of the paper will be that of projecting a concrete yet flexible plan that will be useful in promoting cooperative efforts on the part of parents and teachers during the school year 1955-56"--Introduction. / "August, 1955." / Typescript. / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science." / Advisor: W. Edwards, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 23-24).

Bibliography: pages 155-164. / This research study attempted to gather, present and analyse information regarding the current role of the Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations in the democratic governance of secondary schools for purposes of contributing towards the education governance policy discourse as South Africa moves away from apartheid to democracy. Central to this largely fact-finding exercise was an attempt to make a contribution to an understanding of how the Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations, in the execution of their duties, practice both democracy and accountability; operate; resolve tensions and/or differences among parents, teachers and students; impact upon the schools in general; and relate to both the Department of Education and Training and other organs of civil society. Further, this survey attempted to ascertain m which crucial areas the Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations are most lacking, and how these could be strengthened. And finally, an attempt was made in this study to contribute to the possible future role of the Parent-Teacher-Student Associations in the new democratic education dispensation, and how, in the execution of this new role the Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations should relate to the new, future democratic government. The study concluded with a number of recommendations for policy in the area of democratic school governance. The study used largely a survey method. The Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations of three secondary schools under the auspices of the Department of Education and Training in the Western Cape region were surveyed. The single most important data-gathering instrument used was the interview. Numerous conclusions were arrived at. First, the Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations studied were found to be very powerful and effective in their areas of operation in school governance despite their inability to have access to resources of power, wealth and expertise. These Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations are important education policy actors who are not only influencing policy, but are in total control of very crucial policy areas in their schools. Second, the study concluded that whereas the Parent-Teacher-Student-Associations studied represent an important step towards the full democratisation of education in general, and in their schools in particular, their role in school governance could not be described as an unqualified success. However, despite the problems associated with the PTSAs involvement in school governance, their role does have the potential to make for better schools. And finally, because of the limited nature of the study in terms of the methodology, scope and time, the conclusions arrived at here cannot and should not be generalised beyond the confines of the study as no attempt was made to embark upon regional or national research exercise.

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education