Causes affecting parental involvement in the schooling of children

Parental involvement (PI) in the education of children is not a recent phenomenon. PI has become an established feature of education policies across the developed world. The study set to establish factors that may make parents choose not to participate in education process or unable to become more involved. The study was grounded in Epstein's overlapping spheres of influence theory. A qualitative case study was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select (4) schools and (40) participants in Alefadistrict, Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. Findings revealed that the economic status and level of education of parents have a significant effect on children's education. It also emerged that parents are more likely to be involved when teachers' perceptions about role of parents are positive. The study established that PI is also influenced by age of children. The study recommends that parents be helped to appreciate the benefits of parental involvement in the learning of their children. Workshops should be established to develop the relationship between parents and their children.