An Assessment of the Impact of Parent-Teacher Association Intervention Strategies on Secondary School Management in Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas, Benue State, Nigeria West Africa

The study assessed the impact of Parent-Teacher Association intervention strategies on secondary school management in Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State. To guide this study, two research questions were posed and two hypotheses were formulated for testing. The research employed a descriptive survey design to examine a target population of 2,005 individuals. This population comprised 80 teachers, 45 principals and 1,880 parents drawn from 45 schools and their respective communities. From 20 selected schools and communities, a sample of 488 participants, roughly 25% of the total population was drawn, comprising 15 principals, 45 teachers and 428 parents. The selection process utilised purposive and stratified random sampling methods. Impact of Parent-Teacher Association Intervention Strategies on Secondary School Management Questionnaire (IPTAISSMQ) was used for the collection of data. Data analysis involved frequencies and percentages, supported by bar charts for visual representation of research findings. Inferential analysis was conducted using Chi-square test to evaluate all hypotheses at the α = 0.05 significance level. The study demonstrated that the level of Parent-Teacher Association participation in the development of physical facilities has a significant impact on secondary school management χ ² cal = 188.296, χ ² crit = 24.996, df = 15, P=0.05>0.000. The extent of Parent-Teacher Association engagement in staff recruitment has a significant impact on secondary school management χ ² cal = 403.718, χ ² crit = 12.592, df = 6, P=0.05>0.000. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that School leaders should remove barriers to Parent-Teacher Association participation to better utilise their management intervention. It is imperative for educational authorities to formulate rigorous policies that delineate the operational limits of Parent-Teacher Associations, thereby mitigating potential administrative interference. Cultivating a harmonious partnership with the Parent-Teacher Association serves a strategic catalyst for increased financial participation in secondary school management.