The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of community participation in the management of primary schools in Amhara region North Shoa Zone and factors affecting the proper participation of the community in primary school management. To accomplish this purpose, the study employed a descriptive survey method, which is supplemented by qualitative research method to enrich the quantitative data. The KETB and PTA members, primary school teachers selected using simple random sampling technique, WEO experts, school principals and documents were sources of data in the study. The d}!ta gathering instruments included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews al!:.d documents. The questionnaire consisting of 49 items was administered to 114 KETB and 84 PTA members and 112 teachers whereas the interview was held with 20 school principals and 7 WEO experts. Data gathered through questionnaires were described quantitatively and interpreted in line ~the available literature whereas the information gathered through interview and open-ended questionnaire were described qualitatively to supplement the quandtative data. The results ofthe study revealed that the status ofcommunity participatione1 .n the management of primary schools was inadequate. The contribution ofKETB and PTA members to increase enrollment and dropout rate of students was insignificant. Furthermore, the study revealed that: lack of training, lack of time and poor economic status, lack of understanding of roles and responsibilities, long distance and inconl.!-entent meeting time, lack of commitment and willingness, lack of appreciation of overall objectives of education and lack ofaccountability on the part ofKETB and PTA members; and principals' unable to communicate with KETB ana:--.P1'A members, undermining their capacity, non-participatory leadership approach, and lack of skill of participating the community due to lack of training were affecting community ~ participation. The insufficient participation of the community in planning, decision-making, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation or;chool activities is observed among primary schools in Amhara Region, North Shoa Zon~. The participation of the community is highly influenced by lack of training lin2t awareness, lack of commitment and willingness, lack of appreciation of objectives of education, poor economic status and poverty, and the non­ participatory leadership and management, negative attitude to and undermining the skill ofKETB and PTA members, failure to communicate with the community. Finally, recommendations are made based on the results of the study. The points of the recommendation include: Creating awareness for the KETB and PTA members and empowering them, following supportive, consultative, responsive and participatory leadership, brining the community together and encouraging discussion about educational needs and priorities, training should be given for school principals, making an overall assessment and immediate measures by providing incentives, organizing workshops, seminars, visits and conference

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