Effective Parent-Teacher Associations Essential for Improving Education Quality in Schools

Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) can play a significant role in improving the quality of education, increasing student attendance, and reducing dropout rates. Research shows that schools with effective PTAs experience substantially lower dropout rates and higher student attendance, while also providing greater support for students’ mental health and wellbeing.
Education stakeholders emphasised that improving the quality of education requires strong and effective partnerships among schools, families, and communities. The National Education Policy 2010 advocates for the establishment of active PTAs to address student dropout and support overall school development. To realise their full potential, these associations require clear and specific implementation guidelines. Effective PTAs can strengthen teacher accountability and encourage greater parental awareness and involvement in their children’s education.
Speakers shared these views at a knowledge dissemination session held today, Sunday, 21 June 2026, at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The event, titled “Knowledge Dissemination on PTA Strengthening and FLN Catch-up Initiative Inception: Learning Together”, was organised by BRAC Education Programme. Key stakeholders from the government, non-governmental development organisations, and the education sector participated in the event.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Md Shakhawat Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said, “One of the major concerns in our education system is that many students drop out before reaching the SSC examination. One reason behind this is that students often fail to understand lessons in the classroom. To address this, efforts have been made to ensure teacher accountability and bring struggling students back on track through diagnostic assessments. The government is working to raise primary education to global standards.”
Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC’s Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme, said, “Ensuring sustainable development and accountability in the education system cannot rely solely on a centralised structure. A new social movement is needed to strengthen parents’ awareness of both their responsibilities and rights in ensuring quality education.”
Mohammad Atiqur Rahaman, Additional Director General (PEDP-4) of the Directorate of Primary Education, said, “PTAs are one of the most underutilised assets in our education sector. If activated effectively, they can strengthen teacher accountability in schools and make it much easier to improve the quality of primary education and achieve foundational learning outcomes.”
Md. Moazzem Hossain, Programme Head (Development) of BRAC Education Programme, presented the project’s key achievements and formally introduced the Catch-Up Learning Programme designed to address learning gaps. He said, “As a responsible organisation, BRAC works alongside the government in areas where there is scope to further strengthen the education system.”
PTAs for Good Governance and Student Retention
BRAC is implementing the PTA Strengthening Project to improve the effectiveness of PTAs, raise parental awareness, and increase community participation, thereby strengthening social accountability and improving student retention. The project is being implemented in 46 government primary schools across Sadar, Badarganj, and Pirganj upazilas of Rangpur District.
To assess the impact, potential, and lessons of PTA strengthening, BRAC conducted a research study which found that schools with effective PTAs experience significantly lower levels of child labour, higher student attendance, and substantially increased mental health-related activities.
Catch-Up Learning to Address Learning Gaps
BRAC has launched the Accelerated Catch-Up Learning Programme to address learning gaps among primary school students.
The programme will be implemented in six upazilas. The three-year programme will cover 735 government primary schools. It includes remedial (recovery) interventions for students in Classes 3 to 5 and preventive interventions for students in Classes 1 and 2. The programme is expected to bring rapid and visible improvements in reading, writing, and mathematics competencies. It will also strengthen the capacities of teachers, headteachers, and education officials.
In his closing remarks, Profulla Chandra Barman, Senior Adviser of BRAC’s Education Programme, said, “The joint participation of parents and teachers is essential to ensuring quality education. When parents are directly involved in their children’s education, it has a profoundly positive impact on learning outcomes.”
-Press Release