Parent-teacher bodies get more power under regional autonomy

JAKARTA (JP): Parent-teacher associations (PTAs) will have a greater say in running local schools when the Regional Autonomy Law comes into effect next year, a senior education official said.

But at the same time, school authorities must strive to improve teachers' welfare to ensure quality education, Alwi Nurdin, head of the Jakarta office of the Ministry of Education, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Society will have a greater say in the formulation of policies through their activities in the Education Management Board (the equivalent of a parent-teacher association) at every school, he said.

"We already have a parent-teacher association. Its involvement will expand into handling substantial issues concerning the quality of education," Alwi said.

The role of PTAs is currently limited to deciding school uniforms and setting fees, but not on education.

Under the new arrangement, parents will become more aware of their rights and responsibilities in boosting educational activities and school development, Alwi said.

"Parents will be able to react if a school imposes unnecessary fees, and to decide on what extracurricular activities are needed in their area," he said.

"We are now trying to give parents a sense of belonging to schools and education so that they'll care more about the quality of education given to our children," he said.

Education authorities must also strive to improve teachers' skills because they determine the quality of schools, Alwi said.

"Teachers' skills make the quality of a school and they are encouraged to be creative," he said.

Special attention must be given to the welfare of teachers as many are currently forced to take side jobs to supplement meager earnings, he said.

"That kind of practice will affect a teacher's performance in the classroom and affect our children's right to good education," he added.

Alwi said it was unethical for teachers to give private lessons to students and the practice should be stopped since it tarnishes the image of the education system.

Some parents have also protested the practice.

"The parents' reaction is in order. They (teachers) could leak the examinations to students who are in the course or drill them on items which will be tested," he said.(06)