Parents' contribution on pupils' academic performance in private primary schools in kyenjojo district: a case of katooke town council

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess parents' contribution on pupils' academic performance in Private Primary Schools in Kyenjojo District, Katooke Town council. The study was guided by the following objectives. To assess the influence of parents' financial contribution on pupils' academic performance in Private Primary Schools in Katooke Town Council; to examine the significance of parents' involvement in child learning activities at school; to assess the role of parents' disciplinary support on the pupils' academic performance in private primary schools. Participants were drawn from selected private primary schools and their surrounding communities, which included 7 Head Teachers, 7 Directors of Studies, Upper Primary Teachers 56, Pupils 70, and School Management Representatives 7. Data was collected using a combination of instruments, which included questionnaires, interview guide and observation. The cross -sectional design was used which included both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings show that parents interact with teachers in the child school education than attending school meetings even when invited. The study found out that slightly more than a half of the parents are prompt in clearing their children's school dues and many others are less prompt in that respect. Majority of the parents in the schools where their children study do regularly provide proper counselling. The findings revealed that parents' child guidance on school learning was fifty-fifty. Majority of parents are exemplary to their children in terms of social behaviour. Major conclusion is that, government primary education subsidy should be extended to private primary schools. Private Primary Schools with support of Local Government Education Departments should orient or sensitise parents on child upbringing, counselling and guidance. Future research can be conducted on the determinants of financial sustainability of Private Primary Schools in Katooke Town Council or elsewhere in Kyenjojo District or in the rest of Uganda.