The role of parent’s associations (AMPA): actions and challenges

Abstract

Based on an ethnography conducted during 9 months in 11 schools of  Catalonia, pre-school and primaryeducation and compulsory secondary education (ESO), concerning the participation of  families, this articlefocusesonthecollectiveparticipationof families through parents’ associations (AMPA) and analyzesthe role of  this entity in the centers, pointing out the weaknesses and strengths from the viewpoint of the actors. It concludes that good management and functioning of  the AMPA is one of  the key factorsin shaping positive dynamics of  relationship and family involvement, but AMPA would have to redefineits role and functions in the current context.KeywordsSchool, families, weaknesses, strengths, activities, challenges, parents’association.