National Curriculum and Parental Involvement: Bridging Home and School Education

This study investigates parents' understanding of school-implemented curricula and their involvement in enhancing the quality of learning. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Education and Culture updated the basic education curriculum policy on March 26, 2024, as part of the evolution of the Merdeka Curriculum. This research uses an exploratory approach to examine parents’ perceptions of their roles as school partners. Data were collected through an online survey involving 230 respondents selected via non-probability sampling and analyzed using an exploratory quantitative method. The findings reveal that while parents are generally aware of and willing to engage in school activities, they require resources and structured programs to guide their involvement effectively. Similarly, schools strive to involve parents but lack programs designed to strengthen learning outcomes. Additionally, the concept of parents' literacy regarding the learning environment at home and school remains an ongoing challenge. These results highlight the need for schools to develop effective programs that bridge parental involvement and curriculum success, ultimately fostering better learning experiences for students.