Implementation strategies of universal primary education policy and pupils’ academic performance in Ayivuni sub-county Arua district, Uganda

Abstract

The drive of this study was to establish the relationship between Implementation strategies of the Universal Primary Education policy and pupils’ academic performance in Ayivuni sub-county, Arua district. This study was guided by the following objectives: to determine the relationship between improvement of physical school facilities and pupils’ academic performance; to establish the relationship between the adequacy of instructional materials and pupils’ academic performance; and to envestigate the relationship between training of teachers and pupils’ academic performance. The study employed cross-sectional survey design, and both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The study participants were 197: including seven head teachers, 63 teachers, and 127 pupils. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire, and qualitative data were obtained using interview, observation and Focused Group Discussion. Quantitative data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation, and qualitative data were analysed using textural descriptions. The results showed a strong positive correlation (r =.672, N = 66, p = 0.00) between improvements in physical school facilities and pupils' academic performance. The findings also showed a high positive association (r =.764, N = 66, p = 0.000) between the quality of the instructional materials and students' academic achievement. Additionally, there was a statistically significant positive association between teachers' training and students' academic performance (r =.660, N = 66, p = 0.000). In conclusion, there is a correlation between the development of physical school facilities and students' academic performance, as well as between the quality of instructional materials and students' academic performance and the preparation of teachers.The study recommended that all UPE schools in Ayivuni sub-county should be supported with new classroom blocks as there is much congestion of pupils in classrooms, the government should consider providing more instructional materials like text books to pupils as the available textbooks were not enough. Additionally, the government should support in-service training to help all teachers acquire the necessary abilities to aid in enhancing students' performance.