Parents' and community members' attitudes to schooling: report on scoping study

This report is the outcome of a scoping study which was developed to provide a broad understanding of attitudes to schooling, concentrating on parents’ and community members’ responses. The study was conducted by DEST between May and June 2003, using a telephone survey. Data was collected on views on the importance of areas of national consistency in education, academic reputation of schools, costs of education, educational facilities, and teaching quality.

Key findings:

1. The majority of respondents indicated that they are broadly satisfied with the standard of schools and the standard of teaching.
2. There is a perceived link between quality teaching and quality overall schooling.
3. Parents expressed a desire that schools be a secure environment, with appropriate facilities both in the classroom and in the broader school grounds.
4. Schools should not only develop academic skills, but also have a role in developing students’ life skills.
5. Parents were commonly involved with their children’s day-to-day schooling.
6. National consistency issues were seen as important.
7. The majority of school students wear school uniform.
8. In 2003, parents of children at government schools spent an average of $1573 per year on expenses associated with their eldest child’s schooling. Parents of children at non-government schools spent an average of $6053 on their eldest child’s education.
9. 73% of parents made voluntary contributions to their child’s school. The main contributions were fund-raising activities, canteen help, helping out in class, and membership/participation in Parents and Community (P&C) committees.

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