INFLUENCE OF STAKEHOLDERS PARTICIPATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF URINGU DIVISION, MERU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Public schools in Kenya are often criticized as inefficient, characterized by poor academic performance. Some of the reasons for this low pass rate include: poor quality of primary education, often associated with weak school management, insufficient resources and lack of teacher commitment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of stakeholdersâ participation in primary school management on academic performance in Uringu Division, Meru County. The study also sought to assess the head teachersâ management skills, teachersâ participation, pupils' participation and parentsâ participation in primary school management on academic performance in Uringu Division. The study used a descriptive survey design. The target population was 2441 teachers, head teachers, class eight pupils and parents. This study used stratified random sampling to select 331 teachers, head teachers, class eight pupils and parents. This study used both primary and secondary data. Secondary data was obtained from KCPE results for the last five years. This included the mean grades over the five years. The study used a questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection. Data analysis was quantitative. Quantitative data was analysed by use of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20). Descriptive statistics was utilized to analyse quantitative data. Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution, percentages, measures of central tendencies (mean) and measures of dispersion (Std deviation). The data was then presented in tables. Additionally, correlation analysis was used to establish whether there is a relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. The study concludes that head teachers' managerial skills, teachersâ participation, pupils' involvement and parents participation positively and significantly influence academic performance in public primary schools in Uringu division. The components of head teachersâ management skills that influence academic performance include leadership styles, interpersonal skills, managerial skills and time management skills. Teachersâ involvement in school governance and in developing discipline policies increases their morale and motivation, which in turns improves pupilsâ academic performance. The involvement of pupils in management and decision making improves academic performance as it makes them feel more confident in their learning. Parentsâ involvement in their childâs learning process offers many opportunities for success- improvements on childâs morale, attitude, and academic achievement across all subject areas, behaviour and social adjustment. The study recommends that the government of Kenya should provide opportunities for career development and training for primary school head teachers so as to improve the head teachers' managerial skills, interpersonal skills as well as time management skills.
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